When Fijians join the British Army many of their families follow them to the unknown country. Leaving your home, your family and friends is always hard and it is often a struggle to adapt to life in a foreign place. A culture shock is typical.
Coming from a culture where community is highly valued, the culture in Western Europe can seem individualistic and people appear to care more about their own needs than others.
To obtain the Spouse Visa can be quite problematic. Nina, a Fijian wife and mother of two, states:
"The British army was so hungry to recruit thousands of Fijian lads from home. They left and, later on, the families joined them. The main thing was SPOUSES VISA... when spouses and children leave home we are only guaranteed 3-6 months visa upon arrival. We are to extend our visa at our own expense. Nothing is arranged by the British Army, just a confirmation letter from them to confirm that they serve in the army. We have to find our own way to Croydon at our own expense and do all these things in our own limited knowledge. We struggle to pay the fees as they are too high - it is now £335 per visa - and nothing is reimbursed from the army which is so unfair..."
Please check directly with the Home Office which visa you would need and always check if there are updated forms on the Home Office website. The forms below have the status of July 2007.
The Immigration Enquiry Bureau in Croydon will be able to answer your questions from Monday - Thursday 09.00 - 04.45 and Friday 9.00 - 04.30. You can call them on 0870 606 7766.
The form and guide
SET(M) - Indefinite Leave to Remain as the spouse, civil partner, same sex or unmarried partner of a person present and settled in the UK can be obtained at the Home office website.
Please click here for more information about spouse visas at the home office website.
Click here to download application form SET (M)
Click here to download the guidance notes how to fill SET (M)
The visa costs 750 GBP when applying by post or 950 GBP when applying personally (which is faster).
There may be a different visa for 335 GBP - please enquire at the Immigration Enquiry Bureau to see if there is a different visa available for Army personal spouses.
Please inform Pacifikana if you have more current information so that we can update the website and help other Fijian woman coming to the UK! Vinaka Vakalevu!
|
