Zimbo Single Mums Struggling to Secure UK Visas for Kids
Zimbabwean mothers based in the United Kingdom (UK), struggling to secure visas for their children to join them abroad, were dealt a severe blow following the introduction of tough immigration laws by the UK government.
UK to Ban Care Workers From Bringing Dependents
The UK Home Office last week announced tough immigration measures that will make it difficult for Zimbabweans working there to bring along their families.
The European country’s Interior minister James Cleverly told lawmakers that the plan, which will see the country's care firms regulated on visa sponsorship, is meant to end the “abuse of health and care visa” as well as stop overseas workers from bringing family dependants.
Cleverly said their government would raise the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers to £38 700 (US$ 48 800), from its current level of £26 200 (US$ 33 000) and reform the list of jobs where exceptions are made due to shortages.
Zimbo Single Mums Struggling to Secure UK Visas for Kids
Single mothers, particularly those who went to the UK on the Tier 2 Healthcare visa, already faced challenges in their efforts to bring or go with children before the new visa regime.
A women’s empowerment and advocacy group, Women of Zimbabwe (WoZ), was recently approached by 12 women to raise their plight with the relevant UK authorities.
WoZ representative and UK-based political and human rights activist, Patricia Chinyoka, revealed the trials of the single women adding that the situation is worse for women whose children bear the surname of their absent fathers as a consent form is required from them.
“We were approached by 12 women who wanted us to raise their plight with the relevant UK authorities,” Chinyoka said.
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“The majority of them are afraid to speak out and share their stories as they fear reprisals from the Home Office, even under anonymity. Some of the parents have approached Members of Parliament in their respective regions but this has been ineffective.”
She said most of the single mothers did not have money to foot legal fees in the fight to have their children join them abroad.
