Andrea Gada

Zimbabwean child’s funeral delayed in the UK because relatives denied visas

Andrea Gada’s relatives in Zimbabwe have been denied visas to attend her funeral. David Cameron has said that he will investigate the matter.

Andrea Gada

Andrea Gada was struck by a car in East Sussex on 16 December as she stepped out into the road while walking home from school with her father. The five-year-old was rushed to St George’s Hospital in South London but died on 17 December.

The Home Office refused visas to her grandparents and aunt in Zimbabwe, and Gada’s funeral has since been delayed.

Andrea Gada

According to Home Office documents, the visas were refused because officials were concerned that the relatives did not have sufficient funds to support themselves and because the Home Office was “not satisfied their intentions are genuine”, reported the BBC.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd raised the matter in the Commons. He asked Prime Minister David Cameron to get involved.

“The Home Office decision is cruel and unkind. Prime Minister, will you intervene?” he asked.

Lloyd said that he would ensure that Gada’s relatives returned to Zimbabwe shortly after the funeral.

David Cameron answered Lloyd by saying: “I will certainly look at the case – I was just discussing it with the Home Secretary – and make sure the Home Office has a careful look to see what can be done.”

Andrea Gada’s parents parents, Wellington and Charity Gada, are originally from Zimbabwe and were granted asylum in the UK.

Commenting on the Home Office’s decision they said: “It’s a very difficult moment we’re going through and all this is just making it a double tragedy.”

Images: Facebook.com/CharityGada