Dear Mr. Editor,
Concerning the unfortunate case of Mr.Momodou Sanneh and his failed application for an entry visa to the U.K. for medical treatment.
Firstly , may I commend the two beating hearts of Gambian Journalistic endeavor, of The Banjul Observer and The Freedom Newspaper. Both have acted in the finest traditions of compassionate and supportive compliance towards highlighting Mr.Sannehs position.
May I also highly commend the quick response of the British Deputy High Commissioner to explain the correct procedures in applying for a visa.
I am aware in many countries, there transponds a small cottage industry of informed advisers who have studied these procedures and assist applicants with there lengthy paper applications. In The Gambia's case , the D.H.C. has encouraged applicants to contact the High Commission to allow them to offer advice in these connections. It is vitally important that the correct supporting evidence accompanies the application. British Entrance Clearance Officers are guided by a strict code of conduct, when considering ALL applications. In my articles on Immigration I have repeatedly stated..".be aware of the rules"
However, within these rules and codes of conduct there remains an onus on the officer to allow some leeway towards special circumstances.
In Mr.Sanneh case, there would appear to be the image of a disabled person struggling with mobility and an absence of supporting family. This apparent isolation should have been considered. The necessary medical reports confirming his diagnosis also appear for some reason to be quite old, possibly confirming his increasing lack of mobility and the frustration of his doctors towards there inability to treat his condition effectively. Giving rise to there recommendation that Mr.Sanneh may benefit from treatment from overseas.
Whilst I appreciate that the British Government cannot take responsibility for the social implications of the respected client, which surround the worthy applicant, I do believe in this case, the absence of compassion and every possible assistance. May have been absent. There was after all two separate applications reported, over 12 Months. Both rejected using the balance of probabilities.
Tha balance of probabilities in this case are considered thus.
1. The length of time that it would take to treat Mr.Saneh could not be guaranteed. When treating a very serious illness, it is as the English say
" how long is a piece of string " The condition may not respond to treatment for some time ...and various options may have to be exhausted before the correct treatment is found.Elephantiasis..can be treated with many individual drugs and or surgery.{ even massage in some cases } In Mr. .Sanneh's case the illness was first reported at the age of 13. He is now 34. This is a very advanced form of Elephantiasis which so far has not responded totally to the treatments so far administered.
Therefore the length of time to " fix " This illness can not be reasonably known.
2. The current " visitor "{ 6 months } visa requires the recipient to return to the country of origin, within that stated period. One of its main exemptions is the " owner"
has no recourse to public funds and must satisfy the need to be totally
self sufficient in personal funding. There may also be the requirement to state where the applicant will be resident whilst in the U.K.
It is reported, that Mr.Sanneh is self sufficient in funding and that the purpose of his visit would be to gain medical treatment.
One presumes that his stay will be as a resident of St Georges Hospital and that he would pay for his treatment from his own available funds.
Both balance of probabilities should be wavered...in this case purely on medical grounds ..as to the length of time to take Doctors advice and guidance. This may require the need to reapply for an extension to the first visa, from the U.K.
Normally the visitor would have to return to the port of origin to complete this transaction. However, I am certain that Mr.Sanneh would be able to provide evidence from his Consultant that ..he may be restricted in this regard. As such this further application can be accommodated using reasonable intelligence and initiative by The Home Office.
Conclusion.
The Entrants Clearance Manager at the High Commission should be able to point Mr.Sanneh in the right direction as to the requirements needed to fulfill this application, without compromise to there respective code of conduct.
This is a very needy and honourable application with due care required towards the compassion of a fellow human being and a citizen of The Commonwealth. It is also extremely urgent !!!
As I have already written to our High Commissioner offering my assistance in this gentleman’s cause, I remain available to assist in any reasonable way.
I can be contacted through the e/mail address already supplied or through the good offices of The Freedom Newspaper.
I remain Michael..U.K.