A Syrian grandmother, who is terminally ill with cancer, has been allowed to travel to England to spend a final day with her grandson, whom she has never met, following a change of heart from the Home Office.
Soaad Al Shawa, suffering from liver cancer, was initially denied the opportunity to visit her daughter’s son, Ola Al Hamwi, and her step-son-in-law, along with three grandchildren aged seven, five, and one. Until now, the only way she could connect with them was through video calls.
The family, currently residing in Glasgow, fled Syria in 2015 after a bombing in their home in Damascus resulted in the tragic loss of their baby. They were unable to bring Al Hamwi’s mother with them when they escaped.
Last year, after Alshawa received her terminal cancer diagnosis, the Ministry of Home Affairs rejected their application for a family reunion. However, following an appeal, a first-class immigration court judge ruled in their favor in April.
They were overjoyed to share the good news with Alshawa, who then began preparations to travel. Yet, their excitement turned to despair when the Home Office indicated its intention to appeal the judge’s decision. Al Hamwi expressed his heartbreak over the possibility, fearing it could delay their reunion by months, something doctors didn’t anticipate she would survive.
Now, the Home Office has informed the family’s lawyers that Alshawa can visit the UK, and they are working on granting her a visa. The family hopes to process her application through a neighboring Jordan center this weekend so that Alshawa can eventually be reunited with them. Al Hamwi and another family member are unable to return to Syria, as refugees cannot go back to their home country.
“My mother was in good spirits when she heard the news and even started eating more,” said Al Hamwi. “All she wants is to meet her family and her grandchildren before she passes away.”
Amonajid, another family member, welcomed the Home Office’s new approach regarding visas. “I’m grateful they listened to us,” he mentioned. “The kids can’t wait to finally meet their grandmother. They argue over who gets to sleep next to her!”
The family’s lawyer, Usman Aslam of Mukhtar & Co., praised the decision made by the Home Affairs Department, stating, “We hope the daughter and mother will get to spend the precious time they have left together. Refugees deserve the same opportunities as anyone else.”
A Home Office source explained that Alshawa’s entry was approved outside of regular rules for compassionate reasons, emphasizing their intent to expedite the visa process.
