UK immigration success for X Factor contestant

16 May 2011 | Posted by Carl Thomas

X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu and her mother have won a UK immigration battle and the right to remain in the UK.

The Zimbabwean family were due to be deported to their native country after a court turned down her mother's application to renew her UK visa last year.

But with the help of lawyer Frances Farrell, the family was allowed an appeal against the decision by the court.

It remains to be seen how the Home Office will respond to the ruling and if they will accept that the family can remain in the country.

Mrs Farrell commented: "We are delighted to announce that the court has allowed Gamu, her brothers and her mother's appeal.

"If the Home Office accepts the decision of the court, then my clients will be granted leave to remain in the UK."

She added that the family are all "delighted" with the decision, noting that it is the first great news they've had for months.

Gamu's mother, Nokuthula Ngazana, had her UK visa renewal initially turned down in August of last year.

The singer's rejection from X Factor followed in October. Then, in November 2010, the Home Office officials reversed their August decision and stated that they will reconsider.

Unfortunately, this resulted in the conclusion that the family must leave the country in March this year.

The family and the lawyer hope that the UK immigration court's overturning of this latest decision will mean that they can remain in the country.