Amsterdam University student granted UK visa after Home Office U-turn

A Bosnian student was granted a visa by the Home Office, within hours of a report by The Independent about its decision to block her from entering the UK for a conference.

Nadza Dzinalija was originally told she could not attend an event organised by Glasgow University’s psychology department because immigration officials were “not satisfied” she would leave at the end of her stay.

Lawyers and academics described the refusal as “unlawful” and “nonsensical” and claimed it undermined Britain’s status as a driver of academic research.

Within hours of The Independent reporting on her case, the 21-year-old who is studying for a psychology masters at the University of Amsterdam, was informed that her visa had been approved.

Officials did not give any explanation for the U-turn. The Home Office have been contacted for comment.

“I am just very relieved,” Ms Dzinalija told The Independent. “They called me on the phone for some additional information and a few hours later they called to say that I would get the visa. I have dropped my passport off and they said I will be able to pick it up later.”

She had feared the original refusal could have made it difficult to get a UK visa in the future, she said.

She added that she was now “really excited” she can go to the conference with her fellow students.

“I am sure it was because of the media attention,” she said.

Immigration barrister Jan Doerfel, who took up the case on pro bono basis, said it was another example of the “fight for decent Home Office decision making”.

Mr Doerfel told The Independent: “We’re obviously delighted that the Home Office has reversed this erroneous decision in time so that Nadza can still attend the conference. The fact is, however, that it is the underlying refusal culture that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency and the systematic issuing of unlawful decisions that presents an extension of the hostile environment in decision-making and seeks to reduce immigration to the ‘tens of thousands’.

“Nadza received a fast remedy because her case was highlighted in The Independent and because she could benefit from pro bono representation."

He added: “Very many applicants are not so lucky and are unlawfully denied visitors’ visas for a whole range of important events such as attend a sibling’s wedding, their child’s graduation in the UK or to visit sick or disabled relatives here – refusals which are not rectified in time and often mean chances missed forever as a result of decision-makers’ failure to properly apply the Immigration Rules.”

He later tweeted: “The role of the media is so essential in such cases and often the only way to cause change together with lawyers’ support."

After Ms Dzinalija's application was initially refused, a Home Office spokesperson said officials were reviewing the case.

They added: “All visa applications are considered in line with the immigration rules and on the basis of the evidence provided."

The Home Office has since confirmed the visa has now been issued.