A Syrian refugee has expressed profound sorrow as the Home Office seeks to prevent her mother, who is facing terminal illness, from coming to the UK to spend her final days with her family. Ola Al Hamwi, who fled the war-torn country in 2015, feels devastated by the prospect of her mother not being able to meet her grandchildren, whom she has never seen in person.

Ola Al Hamwi and her husband, Mostafa Amonajid, fled Syria after enduring unimaginable loss, including the tragic death of their baby during a bombing. The couple was eventually granted refugee status in the UK but faced challenges in reuniting with Olas mother, Soaad Al Shawa, who is now 57 years old. They submitted an application to bring her to the UK under the refugee family reunion scheme; however, it was turned down.

Currently residing in Glasgow with their three children aged seven, five, and one, Ola and Mostafa have struggled to communicate with Al Shawa, who lives in Syria. The only connection they have had is through video calls, which have been insufficient given the circumstances. In a heartbreaking twist, Al Shawa was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer last year, and in November, doctors in Syria gave her approximately six months to live.

In light of her mother's grim diagnosis, Ola and Mostafa made another attempt to secure a family reunion through the refugee scheme. Unfortunately, this application was also denied by the Home Office. In their desperation, the family appealed the decision, and to their relief, a judge in the first-tier tribunal of the immigration court granted their appeal in April. The ruling referenced Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards the right to family life.

The news of the appeals success brought a glimmer of hope to the family. Ola shared how Al Shawa had become visibly happier upon hearing the news and began to eat more, fueled by the desire to see her family. Plans were made for her neighbors to assist her in traveling to Jordan or Lebanon, where Mostafa could meet her and facilitate her entry into the UK. Due to their refugee status, Ola and Mostafa cannot return to Syria to be with Al Shawa.

However, just as hope began to rise, the family was disheartened when, on April 10, the Home Office filed for permission to appeal the judges ruling in a higher court. This legal process could take up to eight months, during which time Al Shawas condition may worsen. The Home Offices appeal references a previous case involving a family from Gaza, which had sparked controversy among politicians and media. The Prime Minister even remarked about closing a perceived legal loophole that had allowed for that familys entry into the UK.

Ola, clearly distraught, implored the Home Office for compassion, stating, There isnt much time. If we can get her here, we will provide everything for her. When the Home Office asked for permission to appeal against the decision of the judge who said my mum could come here, they didnt think about how they are breaking my heart. In a painful twist, she mentioned that they had not yet told Al Shawa about the Home Offices appeal.

The familys solicitor, Usman Aslam from Mukhtar & Co Solicitors, expressed his outrage at the situation, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on the family. We could feel the familys relief when they won the appeal, then their horror that the Home Office sought permission to appeal, he explained. Aslam emphasized that while he respects the Home Offices right to appeal, he finds it regrettable that they have chosen to pursue this particular case involving a dying woman. He remains hopeful that compassion will prevail, allowing Al Shawa to spend her remaining time with her loved ones.

A spokesperson for the Home Office declined to comment on the matter due to the ongoing legal proceedings. The case has garnered attention, raising questions about the treatment of refugees and the bureaucratic obstacles faced by families seeking to reunite in dire circumstances.