The family of a Venezuelan woman who escaped poverty to settle in Scotland after the death of her Dundee father fear her health may worsen while she awaits a permanent visa.
Annie Murray Romero, 21, flew to Scotland at the end of May after her father Frank died. He had moved to Venezuela 20 years ago.
She is currently living with her sister Deborah at her home in Craigie and is on a temporary tourist visa.
Her sister has spent the last four weeks collecting the necessary documents to apply for a passport, entitling her to the full rights of a British citizen.
The pair will travel to Glasgow next week to officially lodge the application.
Annie, who does not speak English, is experiencing stomach problems, as well as a number of other difficulties, brought on by the poor conditions in the South American country.
NHS Tayside say Annie will be seen by a GP if she provides an address.
However, the Home Office say those on a temporary visa are not entitled to full NHS services, including secondary treatment, until a visa or immigration application is granted.
Deborah, who was born in England and raised in Dundee, said she is growing concerned for Annie’s health.
The 40-year-old said: “I thought everything would be easy because our father is British.
“I feel helpless. It’s like your child being sick and you can’t do anything.
“A lot of the issues stem from the conditions back in Venezuela such as drinking dirty water.
“Her stomach is causing her a lot of problems and her braces are also falling off, she’s had them in years.
“I have been confused about her rights and I wasn’t sure she could be seen by a GP but I will be taking her to see a GP immediately now I know she is entitled.
“If she needs more serious care though, it doesn’t look like she’ll be able to get it until she gets her passport.
“She needs help but we don’t know how long all this is going to take.”
Annie had arrived in Dundee after her dad Frank, 60, died of starvation in Venezuela after struggling to receive adequate treatment for throat cancer.
The country is currently experiencing mass food and water shortages as well as power outages, meaning Frank’s food could not be liquidised and he died after 10 days.
