reported<\/a> last month that the government was planning to clamp down on visa applications for people from several countries, including Nigeria. Beales said: \u201cThere\u2019s no doubt that the UK government refused these visa applications as part of their overtly racist crackdown on Nigerians.<\/p>\n\u201cSamuel and his wife both run successful businesses in Nigeria and have no interest in remaining here after visiting my family, and had we applied for their visas a year ago I have no doubt they\u2019d have been granted. It sadly says a lot though when the Labour party is even more hostile to families such as ours than their Conservative predecessors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ibeawuchi said he was very disappointed that the Home Office was barring him and his family from coming to the UK. \u201cI feel very bad that the Home Office refused us. I really wanted to take my family to the UK for a visit and we submitted all the necessary documents and photos of the two families spending time together.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not want to stay in the UK, just to come here to visit our family for three weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ibeawuchi-Beales said: \u201cOur two kids were so excited for their little cousin, aunty and uncle to visit and had already planned all the things they wanted to show them in London. How do we explain to them that the UK government won\u2019t let their family visit them because they\u2019ve decided to target Nigerians like their mother?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve previously sponsored several family members and all have come and gone without any problems. My brother would without question not stay here after his family holiday. I don\u2019t believe the invite letter we provided to the Home Office was even read by the person who refused the applications.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Home Office spokesperson said: \u201cEach application is assessed on its individual merits, based strictly on the evidence provided and in accordance with detailed guidance for decision-makers. If an application is refused, the reasons are clearly explained.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Home Office sources those whose visit visas have been refused can reapply addressing the concerns in the refusal notice. Financial circumstances were one of the factors considered before refusing the Ibeawuchi family\u2019s visa.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n