Up until about two and a half years ago I - like most ordinary folk - had heard others talk about Immigration ... but paid scant attention to the issue, on the assumption that it was unlikely to affect ME personally.Oh ... I knew that visas were needed to visit certain parts of the world - but that's about it! Being the holder of a British passport accorded me the privilege of travelling virtually anywhere on the planet without restriction.
It wasn't until my first trip to the Philippines in September 2008 that I found myself confronted with the harsh reality that the freedom of movement I'd long taken for granted did NOT, in fact, apply in reverse to people from other countries wishing to come to the United Kingdom.
Having finally met - and fallen in love with - the woman with whom I'd been exchanging emails on an almost daily basis for almost a year, I discovered it was going to prove no mean feat to bring her here.
During the course of my first visit, I became friendly with a fellow Brit who recommended I join the Filipino/UK Forum for advice and guidance on the best way forward. In the process, I received wise counsel on how difficult it was likely to be in fulfilling my original intention to have her visit me for a short period - and the reasons for this.
Consequently, I returned to the Phils and married my sweetheart a couple of months later. And, thanks largely, to the help provided on this site, her application for Settlement turned out to be straightforward.
Based on the assistance given to ME, therefore, I'm now in a position to pass on this information to others following in MY footsteps. But, due to frequent and ongoing changes in Immigration Legislation, for me - and doubtless for many others in the future - the likelihood IS it will continue to be
A LEARNING EXPERIENCE ... !
im sure we all appreciate you for this,
, Stewart (Imagine), Quennie (Queenbee) and Doc Alan for your kind appreciation of my efforts.
Originally Posted by gWaPito
where - as long as I remain physically and mentally active - I can devote as much time as possible to helping others achieve their goals. Which is something I've wanted to do for most of my life!
!
