Visa reversal allows grandmother to attend christening

A British resident has announced that her elderly mother will now be able to travel to the UK for her great-granddaughter's christening after the Home Office reversed its earlier decision to deny a visa.

Tutu Melaku, based in Reading, had been seeking to bring her mother, Asnakech Boglae Degife, from Ethiopia for a ten-day visit in January. Initially, the application was refused because officials stated there was "no guarantee she is going back."

Following intervention from Melaku's MP, Matt Rodda, the Home Office informed her that the visa refusal had been overturned and that guidance on the next steps would be provided.

Degife has previously visited the UK four times, each time returning to Ethiopia. Melaku, a restaurant owner who has lived in the UK for over 30 years, emphasized that her mothers visit is temporary. "Shes not coming here to stay permanently. She has a life in Ethiopia," Melaku explained. "She will return after enjoying time with her great-granddaughter and experiencing the UK. It's also wonderful that this visit coincides with the festive season."

A Home Office spokesperson confirmed: "After a review, this visa has now been granted and we will be advising them on the next steps."

Melaku, who runs Tutu's Ethiopian Table in Palmer's Park, was honored with a BBC Make A Difference award in 2024 for her contributions to the local community.

Author: Riley Thompson