Teachers denied UK entry
TWENTY-THREE African teachers due to arrive in Carmarthenshire for a conference this Friday have had their visas blocked.
The organisers of the event said their entry to the UK has been refused over fears the teachers from Zanzibar will stay here illegally afterwards.
"It's just madness," said Cathryn MaCullen, of Carmarthen-based Sazani Associates, which has organised the exchange visit.
"We were told that being poor was the reason they're not able to come.
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"I think its quite sad. Ironically, the trip is being funded by the British Council."
She said everything was planned for the visit until the visas were refused last week.
The teachers from the Indian Ocean island, part of Tanzania, were due to attend a conference at the Botanic Garden on Friday.
Ms MaCullen said it was part of a well-established exchange project between schools in South West Wales and Zanzibar.
She added: "This link has been in existence for six years with active teacher visits for five years."
She said an appeal was being made as the Journal went to press to get the visa decision reversed.
A spokesman for the Home Office, which deals with visas, said he could not comment on specific cases.
He said: "The responsibility lies with each visa applicant to demonstrate they meet the requirements of the UK's immigration rules.
"Each application is considered on its merits. The rules are fair and apply to everyone."
Comments
by hacker_jack
Monday, June 18 2012, 9:37AM
“What a silly comment. I'm white and I can assure you I can't just move to North America or any other of the places you mention and settle down...
You say the free movement of people is a good thing -really is that why so many far right parties are now springing up all over Europe to stop it?...
------------------------
Actually it's not that difficult to do provided you are of decent health and lawful background.
And you can pretty much go anywhere on holiday or a business trip (which is what this is).
And so many parties re springing up because by nature we are a tribal species. However I believe you have proved yourself wrong with the argument regardless. It doesn't matter how many parties spring up, anyone can start a party, the question should be how many of them are majorities? I believe you will find that the answer is pretty close to 0.
Quoting anyone living in fear of a romanian gang is stupid as there are many towns who live in fear of British born gangs as well. The problem isn't nationality.”
by maxmin
Saturday, June 16 2012, 12:15AM
“Neathboy,
You say " Britain record on slavery is also a bit dubious, many in the Caribbean are still awaiting compensation for their ancestors' being kidnapped/tortured and kept as slaves." Why aren't they claiming compensation from the African tribes who captured them and sold them into slavery?
You say the free movement of people is a good thing -really is that why so many far right parties are now springing up all over Europe to stop it? The fact is this so called 'free movement' is simply an exodus from countries that have been ruined to those countries that will be ruined.
I suggest you go and talk to the people of Boston who now live in daily fear of large gangs of Romainans if it is such a good idea.”
by maxmin
Saturday, June 16 2012, 12:11AM
“Sazani,
I feel I must correct you. You say "The UK govt have infact paid for the trip" are you saying that those in Government have dug into their own pockets - or do you mean the taxpayers have in fact paid for this jolly?”
by Neathboy234
Friday, June 15 2012, 10:15PM
“shonis I was wondering why so few are coming. This is a great example of how people from different parts of the world can come together and learn off each other. We should all be proud that Wales is open to those less well off then ourselves. Well done to everyone involved. Especially the Tory MP Stephen Crabb who made it all possible.”
by shonis
Friday, June 15 2012, 4:20PM
“Just wondering why so many teachers need to come for this conference.”
by Neathboy234
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 5:16PM
“Sazani fantastic news, we need more international contacts not less. I'm sure the xenophobic's will be frothing at the mouth at this good news.”
by Sazani
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 4:59PM
“I must admit I find a lot of this arguement spurious and ill informed;
The teachers have had their visa decision reversed and will be in Wales tomorrow- The UK government were really helpful- they see the value of the long running link(5 years of exchanges and no one stayed!!) The UK govt have infact paid for the trip and teachers from Wales also go to Zanzibar as part of the professional development programme, working with some of the worlds poorest people. The decision was taken by the UK Visa office in Nairobi - roughly three times further than from Cardiff to London. The reason they gave for refusing the visas was they were too poor! Surely that is the point and why the UK engages in international development. Full marks to Stephen Crabb MP for pushing the matter and ensuring the 20 schools in Wales complete the exchange visit.”
by Neathboy234
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 3:07PM
“maxmin
It is true you can no longer just move anywhere in the world that takes your fancy as your forefathers did. Just be happy in the fact you can now live anywhere within the 27 nations of the EU. The free movement of people within Europe is one of the greatest achievements of the past 50 years.”
by Neathboy234
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 3:05PM
“Abolition of the slave trade was just an excuse. Zanzibar is strategically placed for trade. Famous of course for the worlds shortest war when the puppet sultan would not obey his British masters. Britain record on slavery is also a bit dubious, many in the Caribbean are still awaiting compensation for their ancestors' being kidnapped/tortured and kept as slaves.”
by maxmin
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 2:57PM
“Neathboy. What a silly comment. I'm white and I can assure you I can't just move to North America or any other of the places you mention and settle down.
Your argument is of course bereft of all logic. According to you if we go to other countries we are trampling all over the natives who should have the right to refuse us admission, but if we try and refuse foreigners admission to our country we are xenophobes!
Mind you it was a terrible thing for the British Army to go into Zanzibar, even thought they only went to stamp out the slave trade. So at least we know that Neathboy supports slavery and would not want anyone to stop it!”