By David Clegg

THE BROUGHTY Ferry woman under threat of being kicked out of the country last night told The Courier she was “completely overwhelmed” by the support she has received from the local community.

Josie Pasane (25) is facing being forcibly separated from her mother and sister after immigration bosses refused to grant her permission to remain with them in the UK.

The Abertay University graduate —who has lived in the country for seven years—was told that, as she is no longer financially dependent on her mum, she would have to return to South Africa.

The case has provoked shock and outrage in the local community with politicians, church elders and other concerned parties rallying round the family.

“I am very, very grateful for everything that people are doing for me,” said Josie. “I couldn’t have imagined this level of support.

“I am completely overwhelmed by the community’s continuing efforts to help me and my family. It has been incredible.”

A petition organised by the kirk session of the Broughty Ferry New Kirk church—which the Pasane family attend—is now available in the local post office, as well as charity shops, newsagents and coffee shops.

The Queen Street church has also decided to throw its doors open to the public from 10am to 4pm every day to allow others the opportunity to sign.

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie, who has also been campaigning on his constituent’s behalf, will then personally deliver it to the Home Office.

The Rev Catherine Collins appealed for people to add their signature as soon as possible.

“We are getting the petition around as many locations as we can but it has to be in by Sunday night so Stewart Hosie can take it down to London on Monday.

“Everybody I meet who has heard about the story is pretty appalled. Nobody has said to me that they are not going to sign it.”

Mr Hosie said, “I would not be surprised if the petition in support of Josie Pasane exceeds 1000 signatures by next Monday.”

Meanwhile, a separate online petition to the Prime Minister, started by one of Josie’s friends, attracted a number of signatures within 24 hours of being opened.

One signatory, Shona Clark, said, “It would be an absolute travesty if this was to be allowed. This country could do with many more hardworking, honest and trustworthy citizens.”

The petition can be found at www.ipetitions.com/petition/keep_josie_in_the_uk

The problems over Josie’s immigration status began when her mother Catherine and sister Mammie (22) applied for permanent residence in the UK in 2004.

Catherine—who is a charge nurse at the South Grange Care Centre in Monifieth—claims the Home Office advised the family that Josie could wait until her visa expired in February before submitting her own application.

But when she applied in January she was refused permission to stay in the country because she is not “wholly or mainly dependent” on a relative settled in the UK.

The independent Asylum and Immigration Tribunal declined to overturn the decision on appeal —but suggested the Home Office might wish to reconsider its use of “discretion” in the case.

The Home Office does not comment on individual cases but The Courier understands officials are considering the contents of a fax in support of Josie’s case sent by Mr Hosie on Monday.