Asylum seeker is back with a working visa

[rmberg1]

Hello Kayalami, MarieB, hmm and other friends !
I am back!!! I have got a working visa for 3 years the next day I returned to my home country! Quick, isn't it? It was a big surprise for me.

I decided to describe my story in detail here to help other people. For those who just has joined, the discussion was started in

Topic : Will we ever be able to marry?

I came to the UK in 2001 and claimed asylum on arrival. The application was of course refused and the appeal was dismissed. However, I haven't got any removal directions, and I was staying in the UK legally until October 2005.

During these four years I finished the University and got a PhD. I applied for jobs to various companies, and finally got one. The company applied for Work Permit on my behalf, and it was granted. Since it was impossible to switch from asylum into Work Permit employment inside the UK, I decided to withdraw my asylum application and go home to apply for a working visa in the UK Embassy. It was not an easy decision, and of course there was a high probability that I will never return back to the UK.

The chronology of events was as follows:

25 August.
Applied to IOM for withdrawal of asylum and voluntary return home.

27 September.
After numerous phone calls to IOM and Home Office, my documents were finally found and presented to IOM.

3 October.
1) I met IOM people in Heathrow, signed the asylum disclaimer and took its copy and a letter from IOM that I returned voluntarily. I finally got my passport, which I haven't seen for almost 5 years.
2) Passed UK departure immigration control. The officer asked a proof that I was legally in the UK, otherwise -- administrative removal. I showed my asylum ARC Card, it was enough.
3) Arrive to my home country (Ukraine, Kiev). Ukrainian immigration asked what I did in the UK. I said I overstayed. They even wanted to cancel my passport for "inappropriate behaviour abroad", but finally let me go. They simply wanted money.

4 October.
1) Applied for working visa in the UK Embassy. I answered in the application form that I was not deported, removed or OTHERWISE REQUIRED TO LEAVE THE UK. However, I truly described my asylum story and provided all documents. But I felt, they were more interested in my Work Permit papers than in my past life.
2) I was granted visa immediately without any interview. This was really a big, big surprise for me. Even `clean' people wait sometimes 2-3 months.

5-9 October -- spent at home.

10 October.
1) Departing to the UK. Everything is OK, but now the most interesting starts.
2) Stansted airport, immigration control. Question: "Have you ever been refused leave to enter to the UK?" I said "No". But this was incorrect!! The true answer is "Yes", since refusal of asylum assumes refusal of leave to enter !!! But I didn't know this. As a result I was stopped and they checked all my papers, if they are false. Believe me, it was scaring, simply HO-RRI-BLE. Finally, returned my passport: "You may go".

11 October.
Started working. Ufff, I got through...

I hope my story will help other asylum seekers. At least, you can see that it is possible to come back after asylum, if there are solid grounds. I am also very grateful to Kayalami, MarieB and hmm for their advises and support. Thank you very much, friends. And I hope we will meet soon for my "wedding cake".

[John]

Hey, many congratulations! Yet more proof that going back to country of origin and applying for a new visa there works!

Having just quickly reread the previous topic ..... now all you have to do is plan the wedding! Well not actually .... the first thing you need to do is apply for a Certificate of Approval to Marry. But that should be a mere formality in your circumstances. After that is granted then you and your fiancée will go along to a designated Register Office and then give Notice of Intention to Marry.

In other words ... start planning the rest of your life ... with confidence!

[Chess]

Congratulations - I have made this post a sticky

[Marie B]

rmberg1,

Congratulations!! I'm so pleased it all worked out without hardly any delays! Returning home and applying from there really does seem to be the best option in so many situations. Good Luck with the wedding preparations, you can finally start to get on with your life, what a relief!!

[Rogerio]

Wonderful reading this Board.... so many beautiful stories coming to a happy ending. Truely moving.

Congratulations and all the very best.

Rogerio

[Dua]

Hi,

[williamgeorge]

Many adoptees are in situations similar to mine. If you haven’t already signed it, please take a moment to click on this link and read the following petition (created by Jane Jeong Trenka). And pass it on.
----------------------
williamgeorge
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[ahoora]

Hi
I am very glad it worked for you but believe me it is just your luck ... I had exactly similar situation but when I withdrew my asylum and got my passport and left UK I was not granted to return UK even I had BBC employer and a very good position was secured for me including issued working permit by HO and alongside all other documents , and you know what? the visa officer ( Entry Clearance officer ) not only refused and rejected to issue visa for me but also based on new rules on UK immigration I got banned for 10 years to apply for UK visa!

So I can say even in similar circumstances still it is very depends on entry clearance officer to decide whether to grant for visa or to refuse, I don't suggest other asylum seekers to take up this risk honestly as I am still moving from this country to other one until I find somewhere to grant me resident visa to stay!

Also I can blame my issued working permit which gave me very much hope to withdraw my asylum application in order to leave to return and work as a professional with a decent life! Now I regret of my decision but anyway I took this risk and we don't necessary win in all scenes of life , do we?

good luck and congratulation once again!