Worried And Confused

[poliphilo]

The Home Office granted Peter a work permit a few weeks back and he's been applying for jobs. Odi rang at lunchtime yesterday to say he needed a suit for an interview in London - which he was leaving for in a couple of hours- and could we help? So we did. Later, having done some shopping of our own, we rushed him to Manchester coach station and got him there with six minutes to spare.

In the midst of all this kerfuffle a letter came through Peter and Odi's door to say their application for asylum has been turned down.

I wish I knew what was happening. Is it normal to give asylum seekers work permits? Does the work permit imply a right to stay in the country? Is the rejection of the asylum plea a game changer? Are the authorities making it up as they go along?

On top of everything else, Odi is expecting her second child in just under a week.

Comments

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

I don't know anything about UK asylum laws but it does seem odd that a work permit would be issued without a permanency visa. I just read why they're seeking asylum and I'd say having your life in danger like that should qualify. But that would make too much sense, wouldn't it? Where are they originally from? I'd say legal advice is necessary. Perhaps if Peter gets a job that would allow them the visa they need?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

They're from Cameroon. There are lawyers in the picture. Peter is highly employable- he's a personable chap and his qualifications- "A" levels and suchlike- are formidable. I agree that getting a job- and he seems to be on the brink of that- would help immensely.