One woman’s fight to stay in the UK has been won

South African woman Josie Pasane moved to Dundee, Scotland seven years ago in 2001 with her mother and sister.  During 2004 both her mother and sister were given residency in Scotland allowing them to stay in the country.  When Josie requested residency earlier this year her application was turned down due to the fact that she was not dependent financially on her mother who does have residency in Scotland. 

The decision was successfully appealed after politicians in the area rallied behind her and her community started a petition which 3,500 people.

In regards to the outturn of events Josie Pasane said "I'm ecstatic, I'm overjoyed, I'm very very happy that I've been grated permission to stay.  I'm very grateful for the tremendous support that I have had from Dundee, my community in Broughty Ferry, my church, my family and friends, and the support from beyond Dundee as well.  Mum feels like a big weight has been taken off her shoulders now my future is in Scotland and I can start planning to go back to life as normal.  We've been in Scotland for seven years and we regard Scotland and Dundee as home, and it's vital that we stay together because we do depend on each other in all sorts of ways."

The UK Border Agency spokesperson said in response to the outcome of the trial that "We do not comment on the details of individual cases.  Where a judge invites the Home Office to consider the use of discretion in a particular case, we will normally review the case in the light of those comments and, if appropriate, in exceptional case we may reconsider our decision."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dundee