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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jan 2006 : 23:18:30
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I am not sure that it suits europe for Africa to be kept poor. If you think about things on a capitalist model then if africa becomes more wealthy then it is a new market to exploit.....look at china!
Democracy has to be achieved in small steps...... but long term it has to be better than colonial rule or dictatorship............
If colonialism has created false barriers between nations, perhaps a long term aim should be to recreate the meaningful historical boundaries.
Should Gambia and Senegal become one? |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jan 2006 : 23:54:10
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Did he/she actually have an interview and get refused with a stamp in the passport or was the initial application form given back with insufficient detail. It makes a difference. YOU did not make this clear. If an interview took place, then who telephoned you from the immigration department for authenticity? Because they always do, so, if there is a next time make sure your phone line is free. Why not take yourself to our Home Office Department of Immigration, get yourself a clear picture, before you may make errors in Fajara and he/she may not be able to travel anywhere!
If your friend has been offered a course, then fine, take the letter detailing all that I stated earlier together with all other evidence, but a different set of rules apply from Nov 05 for all students and visitors visa’s.
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The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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dave
Ireland
89 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 00:06:19
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I am not sure that it suits europe for Africa to be kept poor. If you think about things on a capitalist model then if africa becomes more wealthy then it is a new market to exploit.....look at china!
Im afraid you are wrong Gambiabev. If we could flick a switch and tomorrow elevate the economic standing of Africa to that enjoyed in the West, the entire worlds natural resources would be eliminated within 7 years.........quote OECD. Think about this and work it out yourself. Its not the EU that is preventing Africa from growing, its the influence of the US......and the reason is simple.....oil. I will elaborate more if you wish on my return from Gambia........Heading there tomorrow... |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 00:07:24
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Greetings, Gambiabev do I remember you stating you are a teacher? one without patience? freedom & peace... |
The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 00:09:42
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quote:
Originally posted by gambiabev
Why is that? Peoples circumstances change. He has been offered a course. Also he will be a married man. Does that count for nothing?
Sab you're right that peoples circumstances do change. However the British High Commission is also influenced by public opinion in the Uk. So if immigration and asylum seeker issues hit the headlines then applicants will be scrutinized even more especially if they've been turn done already. Even when people have been granted visa's there is no guarantee that they'll be let in when they reach the Uk. African people are being stopped and taken to immigration facilities everyday.
Therefore even a genuine marriage under these circumstances can be considered as a marriage of convenience and viewed cynically with the unlining intentions to beat the system by immigration officers.
As for being a student the student fees will be a lot more expensive than a British or EU Citizen plus assurance must be given that the student will have no recourse on public funds including healthcare.If his sponsor can comfortable support the student and they get a visa fine. The student is given limited access the amount of hours he or she can work.
I'm just pointing out the realities which affect people of colour everyday trying to visit or study in the UK. That curtails the freedom of movement that white people take for granted.
Peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 00:18:06
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| Greetings Sister Omega, yes I fully understand we have had Gambian visitors a number of years. Just trying to give her some level advise from homeground, more for the sake of the Gambian because Gambiabev's travel's will not be curtailed.....Freedom & peace. |
The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 08:06:06
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SAB Thanks for your advice....
As to patience....I have endless patience for the children I work with, it is life and it's injustices that make me impatient for change! |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 08:17:23
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Sister Omega
The marriage is in Gambia to a Gambian, not to a uk cit. It is for love. So I meant that makes it more likely he will return.
He DID have an interview and was turned away. I am notsure about the stamp in the passport, I will ask him.
The course he has is a scholarship provided by uk colleges. He has had an interview and been given a place.
I have known him for 3 years and I am his sponsor, but I dont have a big bank balance. This may well go against him too.
I have sent a letter of reference to him and my latest bank statement. He is collecting everything together and then in March we will go to the embassy together.
If he has the approriate visa is the a high chance that he would be turned away at uk???? If so I need to prepare him for that possibility. What would increase his chance of success?
He is a very keen student and is going to do a forestry course that would be of direct use when he returns home to Gambia. |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 08:27:08
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Dave..lucky you going of to the sunshine......could hibernate here the whole of January and miss nothing!
I agree the US is full of self interest and greed when dealing with the rest of the world. I like to think europe is not as bad???????
You are right about resources....our 'footprint' on the earth is an expensive one...it is at the expense of the poor...becuase if everyone lived as we do the world would be done for very quickly!
I'm not sure what the answer is.....for the sake of the planet Africas development would be great if it could be environmentally aware. But what right do we with our cars, washing machines, fridges and holiday flights have to say 'oh sorry you cant have this because we now know its bad for the planet!?'
DOes Africa HAVE to follow the western model for development? Could it bypass our wanton consumerism and go straight to the next level?
I would be really interested to hear more from you on this.Also more about your trip. |
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dave
Ireland
89 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 09:34:48
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| The simple answer Gambiabev is that there is no answer...as long as the US remains in control Africa, and South America together with vast areas of Asia will continue to suffer. Thats the reality Im afraid and it will NOT change. The US will not allow change and the EU is simply the tail of the dog. The only solution as far as I can see and it may happen over the longer term,is for China to become the next superpower and to challenge the US polictically and economically. This will lead to major changes in the global context but unfortunately I cannot see how it will benefit Africa. Peace |
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sab
United Kingdom
912 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 14:28:18
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Greetings, G.Bev
I note that you have sent A bank statement, you need to send SIX months bank or building society statements, PLUS salary slips. If you do not have the salary slips take your old P60 Inland Revenue End of Year Certificate. If you have a mortgage, you need to submit that evidence , or other payments as proof of your accommodation. I cannot see the application forms changing that much, but seek advice from the www.britishhighcommission.govuk/thegambia The letter of scholarship from the UK college, not a photocopy is definitely required. I think the 1-year visa application is around £95 / 4500dalasi, was that the charge last time?
We have previously also included our Birth certificates, Marriage cert, Copy of passports including Gambian stamped pages in the p.books. Evidence of communication over the years, plus e-mails as technology has changed time? I think you need to do a lot more this end than you have. I must conclude on this subject now, and take a look at our own passports! Freedom & peace.
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The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary) |
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 16:12:58
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| May I ask you - what is the purpose of being a member of the Commomwealth, like the Gambia is? Obviosly,it does not help one to get a visa, anyway. |
kiwi |
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Formby
United Kingdom
246 Posts |
Posted - 19 Jan 2006 : 21:03:12
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| EU Agricultural trade reform that might benefit Africa is routinely blocked by France and Germany out of sheer self-interest. |
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Ebra
Gambia
268 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2006 : 09:35:01
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Gambiabev, I had tried three times to go to UK for studies, between 1998 and 2001 and had been refuse visa. This was the time I was in the Gambia, my uncle who lives in UK paid a college in full for me but I was denied visa and the only reason given to me was that I will not return back home after the completion of my studies. The British Embassy to me are not fair in issuing visa to the people, Only those with healthy Bank Statements or from rich family have more chance. Sometimes, I wonder how the developing countries can develop when the poor are not very considered in society. Also been an international student sucks because the west exploit them by charging them to pay more.
After been in this country USA with Green card I apply for a visa for just 2 weeks holiday the ****ing embassy gave me one year visa to my surprise. I know it was because of having American papers and with some Dollars in my account that was the only reason they gave me visa, because they want the $. You see how baised our this so called colonial are treating us. Gambians should be given more opportunities to enter UK and read so that when they graduate they can go back home and develop the country but instead they still wants our little resources. Greedy British |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 22 Jan 2006 : 10:41:03
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I think ANYONE who has the necessary qualifcations, passes an interview and is offered a place should be allowed to travel to Britain to study.
The reason the Gambian government is interested in the bank account is that they see money in the account as an indicator that the person will return home. If they give visas out and the people dont come back they look foolish.
It isnt the uk government that want that money.
It is my understanding that students from abroad are charged more because their families havent paid tax in uk. If you pay tax in uk you are paying for the training of teachers and for the running of universities and subsidising the uk students whether you want to or not and whether you ever go to university yourself or not!
Why did the USA treat you more favourably??? I am interested to know because it may be a way forward for my friend if he gets the visa refused from uk. I was so pleased for him when he got the place on the course. Now I feel depressed for him as I am not very optimistic he will be allowed to come over.
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