Visa U-turn lets gran attend christening

A British woman has said her elderly mother will be able to attend her great-granddaughter's christening after the Home Office reversed a decision to block a visa.

Tutu Melaku, who lives in Reading, had been trying to bring Asnakech Boglae Degife over from Ethiopia for a 10-day visit in January.

She was previously told her mother's visa application had been blocked because there was "no guarantee she is going back".

But the Home Office has written to Ms Melaku, via her MP Matt Rodda, to confirm the refusal had been overturned and it would be "advising them on the next steps".

Ms Melaku, a restaurant owner who has lived in the UK for more than 30 years, said many people who have gone through similar issues have been in touch with her.

She said her mother has visited the UK four times previously and returned to Ethiopia each time.

"She's not coming here to stay [permanently], she has a life in Ethiopia," Ms Melaku said.

"We know the reason she's coming here and she will go back after she enjoys her great-granddaughter, enjoys the UK. I think she's coming at a good time because it's still Christmas time. It's just a nice reunion."

A Home Office spokesperson said: "After a review, this visa has now been granted and we will be advising them on the next steps."

Ms Melaku, who runs Tutu's Ethiopian Table in Palmer's Park, won a BBC Make a Difference award in 2024 for her community work.