A young Tayside woman who faced deportation to South Africa was “ecstatic” last night after being granted permission to stay in Scotland.
Josie Pasane, of Broughty Ferry, was informed of the decision after a 30-minute meeting with UK Border Agency representatives in Glasgow yesterday.
Miss Pasane, 25, had been ordered to leave the country, while her mother Catherine and sister Mammie were granted indefinite leave to stay in the UK.
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.
She expressed relief at the decision which she said has ended months of worry.
“I’m ecstatic and glad it’s over and I can continue with my life as normal,” she said.
“The mistakes were acknowledged and I was given an apology.
“I have both feet planted in Scotland and can start planning my future.”
The case provoked outrage at Broughty Ferry and a 3,000-signature petition organised by the minister at her church, the Rev Catherine Collins, was submitted to the Home Office by Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie.
Miss Pasane said: “There will be a celebration to thank my community in Dundee, the congregation and everyone who supported me. I’m very grateful for their support and I’ll be sending out a lot of thank you cards.”
She was accompanied to Glasgow by her family, representatives from Mr Hosie’s office and church elder Anita Jamieson. Mrs Jamieson’s husband, Hugh, was able to sit in on the meeting.
“It’s a sensible decision and commonsense has prevailed,” he said.
“Anyone who knows about the case is totally amazed it’s come this far.
“The community, and the church in particular, will be delighted.
“I’m not aware of any local campaign that’s gained this kind of support.”
Mr Hosie said: “I know how hard this period of uncertainty has been for her.”
Welcoming the decision, he added: “I am certain this is down to the hard work and support of the local community and the very many local people who signed the petition. All those involved in the campaign deserve a pat on the back.”
A UK Border Agency spokeswoman said she could not comment on an individual case but said decisions are sometimes reversed.
“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 cases we may reconsider our decision,” she said.