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Online support for Phiri twins grows
An online petition to save teenage twins from being deported to Zimbabwe has been endorsed by the signatures of more than 2,500 well-wishers.
Moshe and Zoe Phiri, 13, face an anxious wait to find out whether their appeal against an immigration judge's decision to send them back to Africa has been successful.
However, in the meantime the twins, who go to Watford Grammar Schools for Boys and Girls respectively, have received the backing of just over 2,500 people.
The groundswell of support has come after a website dedicated to their plight was set up.
Students from the two schools have also formed an online campaign group, on social networking site, Facebook.
In less than three weeks the group has already swelled to more than 3,200 members.
However, the case was this week dealt a blow by the news that the British government plan to deport more than 1,000 people back to the troubled African country.
Although Moshe and Zoe's family is not one of those contacted, the government had previously adopted a policy of not deporting failed asylum seekers back to Zimbabwe for fear they could face persecution.
However, a letter has now been sent out to more than 1,000 families in the UK explaining the government is expecting to "shortly" be able to enforce returns to Zimbabwe.
The letter explains that the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal has now found there is "no general risk on return for failed asylum-seekers".
It is unclear exactly what the twins, and their mother, Teresa's, immigration status currently is.
The family could have to formally claim asylum in the UK.
Details on how to sign the petition and join the fight to save the twins for being sent back to Zimbabwe online site www.zomo.org.uk.
7:18pm Monday 24th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Winston, watford on 9:25am Tue 25 Mar 08
did I read something abount the farther wanting the family to return to Zimbabwe?
did I read something abount the farther wanting the family to return to Zimbabwe?
Posted by: Jimbobfury, Watford on 2:35pm Tue 25 Mar 08
If they are in the UK illegally, then they must be sent back. We are becoming the dumping ground for the world's lost peoples.
If they are in the UK illegally, then they must be sent back. We are becoming the dumping ground for the world's lost peoples.
Posted by: Hemel, Watford on 3:37pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Their millionare father wants them to move back to be with him in S Africa, their birthland, a private school awaits, a much better option, why do we gullible English fall for these sob stories.
Their millionare father wants them to move back to be with him in S Africa, their birthland, a private school awaits, a much better option, why do we gullible English fall for these sob stories.
Posted by: Igloo, Watford on 5:40pm Tue 25 Mar 08
I note that they both managed to obtain places at Watford Grammar Schools, unlike many children of perhaps similar or even better educational attainment born and brought up in Watford.
I note that they both managed to obtain places at Watford Grammar Schools, unlike many children of perhaps similar or even better educational attainment born and brought up in Watford.
Posted by: Jimbobfury, Watford on 11:27am Wed 26 Mar 08
Both go to the Grammar Schools...
I wonder how much of a "Donation" was made to the school....
Both go to the Grammar Schools...
I wonder how much of a "Donation" was made to the school....
Posted by: Billy Bucks, Buckinghamshire on 7:26pm Thu 27 Mar 08
MP Clare Ward's reluctance to get involved became clear last night with the Govts' announcement of returns to Zimbabwe. Don't expect her not to toe the party line - unless they can kick a ball of course.
MP Clare Ward's reluctance to get involved became clear last night with the Govts' announcement of returns to Zimbabwe. Don't expect her not to toe the party line - unless they can kick a ball of course.
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