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Fri 1 Feb, 2008 02:58 am
I am a South African woman married to a British citizen man. I will be moving to London by end of the month to be with my husband.
The problem is I had a bad experience last time I tried to visit him. I was deported by the immigration office because they believed that i am looking for a job and I wont come back to S.A. even though I showed them a letter form work saying I am visiting for 2 weeks and will be back at work. They were so bad in a way that they did not even allow me to see him. They only allowed me 2 minutes phone call with him. I was treated like a criminal or drug dealer or something.
I applied for settlement spouse visa but my fear is what if they deport me again. I have already resigned at work. Some people say I should have applied for a new passport because its got the immigration stamp and it is crossed ( showing that i was returned back). The question is why do I have to hide the fact that I was returned.
You should not travel to the UK without a valid visa. If you do, you run the risk of being refused entry. The law says that you need a valid visa or permission to enter. If you are going to a country you should obey its laws.
It does not matter whether you get a new passport or not. Your being refused entry will be on record with the British immigration agency even if you show a new passport. Be aware that if you get a passport with a different name and try to use it to enter the UK you will be committing a criminal offence and would be liable to go to prison and be deported.
I think that maybe you were foolish to resign at work. You should not make plans to move until you have a valid visa in your hand.
I expect the immigration service were strict with you because unfortunately many people from around the world seem to think they can just pack their bags and move to Britain for a better life, but they don't bother getting permission first! Britain is not a theme park open to all. Many people overstay their short term or student visas and have to be deported.
Start your new life the right way - get your papers in order first!
makhetco
Hello.
I'm no clearer on what the problem is with the British authorities than you are. You need specialist immigrant advice on your situation to fully understand what the problem is. Perhaps you could contact SA (or other) migrant services in London for information & advice? Or contact the SA embassy in London for support & advice. I'm sorry, I'm not a UK citizen. This is the best I can think of.
Good luck!