THE HIGH-PROFILE plight of a Broughty Ferry woman facing deportation was brought to the attention of politicians in Westminster yesterday.

MP Stewart Hosie lodged an early day motion at Westminster to highlight the case of Abertay University graduate Josie Pasane (25).

Josie, who has been living in Broughty Ferry for seven years, could be forcibly separated from her mother and sister after immigration bosses refused her permission to remain in the UK.

Her struggle has received “overwhelming” support from local people and politicians alike.

Two petitions have been launched and numerous letters of support have been written to try and stop Josie from being deported to South Africa.

Following MSP Joe FitzPatrick submitting a motion in Holyrood, his SNP colleague Mr Hosie has acted similarly and tabled the motion in London asking the government to review her case.

In his motion, Mr Hosie says, “That this House condemns the Home Office decision to separate Josie Pasane from her family, whom she has been living with for seven years in Broughty Ferry, and to deport her to South Africa; expresses concern over reports that Josie received incorrect advice from the Home Office over her status which has led to the order for deportation; notes that Josie, a graduate of Abertay University, is a valued member of the local community; and calls on the government urgently to review her case.”

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

They allege Home Office officials advised them that Josie could wait until her visa expired in February this year before submitting her application.

But when she applied in January it was refused as she is not “wholly or mainly dependent” on a relative settled in the UK.