A Tayside woman who is facing deportation to South Africa has won backing for her fight to stay in Scotland from Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie.
Josie Pasane, 25, of Broughty Ferry, has been ordered to leave the country, although her mother Catherine and sister Mammie have been granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK.
They have blamed the situation on the advice given to them by immigration officials.
Mr Hosie has called for the case to be looked at again, saying he believes Miss Pasane is the victim of confusion over visa application procedures.
The family arrived in the UK seven years ago and applied for permanent residence in 2004.
They claim they were advised that Miss Pasane’s application could be deferred until her visa ran out this year, but her application was refused in January.
Mr Hosie has contacted Liam Byrne, minister of state (borders and immigration) at the Home Office.
A petition has also been organised by local minister the Rev Catherine Collins, of Broughty Ferry New Kirk, where the family are members.
Dundee Presbytery will also be asked this week to support the family’s cause.
“The Pasane family are well known in the area and known also for their involvement in the local church,” Mr Hosie said. “This decision to dismiss her appeal has been met with bewilderment by the family, friends and the wider community.”
“I have spoken to the Rev Collins who is likely to be organising a petition to the Home Office this week and I believe that this will have an overwhelming response when it becomes available to the wider community through shops and other venues in Broughty Ferry. I will personally deliver it next week to the Home Office.”
Mr Hosie said he has also raised the matter with Graham Blount, parliamentary liaison officer for the Church of Scotland.