A Cuban woman was granted a UK partner visa to join her boyfriend—despite the fact that he had died months before the visa was approved. The shocking case has raised serious questions about the UK’s immigration system, prompting renewed calls for reform.
The Background
Ilian Velazquez, a Cuban national, applied for a UK visa in 2018 to join her British boyfriend, John Hewer, under the partner visa scheme. However, before the application process was completed, Hewer tragically passed away in November 2018. Despite this, in March 2019, UK immigration authorities approved Velazquez’s visa, allowing her to move to the UK.
At the time, UK authorities were reportedly unaware of Hewer’s passing. Velazquez entered the country legally and later applied for indefinite leave to remain under the “bereaved partner” provision—only to have her application rejected.
A Long Battle to Stay in the UK
After her initial rejection, Velazquez submitted a second application for indefinite leave to remain, which was once again denied in July 2022. Despite these refusals, she remained in the UK while appealing the decisions.
During this time, she entered into a new relationship with Galan Zambo, a dual South African and Hungarian citizen, and later applied for a visa under the partner route. However, this application was also rejected—partly due to Velazquez’s undocumented status and partly because Zambo did not meet the financial sponsorship requirements.
The couple argued that deporting Velazquez would violate their right to family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. They maintained that relocating to Cuba together was not a viable option.
The Immigration Tribunal’s Decision
Despite their appeal, the immigration tribunal dismissed their case, stating that Velazquez had no legal right to remain in the UK. The judge suggested that a fresh claim could be considered if new evidence—such as a pregnancy—demonstrated “insurmountable obstacles” to the couple relocating to Cuba.
Political and Public Reaction
The case has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the UK’s immigration system is flawed and inefficient. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the visa approval “completely ludicrous,” stating:
“It is absurd that this visa was ever granted in the first place, given her partner had sadly passed away before the application was even processed. Cases like this show why we need urgent reforms to prevent unnecessary appeals and ensure people without a legal right to remain are removed promptly.”
Others have pointed to the case as an example of the bureaucracy and inefficiency of the Home Office, arguing that immigration applications need greater scrutiny before approval.
What Happens Next?
For now, Velazquez remains in legal limbo, facing possible deportation while seeking another avenue to stay in the UK. The case highlights ongoing issues within the UK immigration system—particularly the need for stronger checks, streamlined appeals processes, and clearer policies for cases involving bereavement and subsequent relationships.
With calls growing for reform, it remains to be seen whether cases like Velazquez’s will prompt any significant changes to the UK’s immigration policies.
