Home Office denies 72-year-old Ukrainian cancer patient visa
Alla Yuzhakova fled her home and is staying in Weymouth with her only family
Last updated 11th Mar 2022
A 72-year-old Ukrainian woman who fled her home to be with family members in Weymouth has been told she can't stay.
Alla Yuzhakova applied for a permanent residency visa to the UK so her family could support her as she undergoes cancer treatment.
But the Home Office has denied her request, leaving the family wondering why.
Irina Wilson is Alla's daughter. She said:
"My mum was in absolute pieces, she just cried and I think she just felt really down because she's had so many UK visas coming and visiting us.
"She was never refused, she never broke any law. She almost felt like it was her second home because of us, her only family, living here for so many years now.
"I think she was heartbroken. She couldn't believe that there was no explanation as to why it was refused, and there's still no explanation."
Alla's application cost ÂŁ4,000 to make and isn't refunded. All the Home Office said to Alla was that she did not meet the criteria for the permanent visa, with no other explanation.
Irina added:
"We did not expect the refusal because of all the circumstances because of everything we have provided. They have a list and you have to follow that list precisely, provide everything they require, which we did.
"The refusal wasn't supported by anything."
"My mum has nobody else in the whole wide world apart from us. She has nobody to look after her, not in Ukraine, not here, apart from us.
"With her health, with her age, with her circumstances even before the war I cannot imagine somebody refusing. I did say to them, 'you're looking into this application without any heart."
Applying for the government's Ukrainian family visa isn't a solution for Alla as she will have to apply again in three years' time, which will cost her another ÂŁ4,000 at least. But Alla will still need the support of her family then.
Irina says after some persuading, the Home Office have decided to take another look at Alla's case.
Greatest Hits Radio contacted South Dorset MP Richard Drax. He said:
"I am very relieved that she has made it to Weymouth and is now safe with her family.
"I have been in contact with the Home Office and hope to get her visa sorted out as soon as possible."
The Home Office has been asked for a comment, but has yet to respond.