MP hails visa chance for X Factor's Gamu

An MP today welcomed news that snubbed X Factor star Gamu Nhengu has passed a key hurdle in her fight to stay in the UK.

The 18-year-old singer, who was booted off the ITV talent show at the judges' houses stage, was told she must return to her native Zimbabwe after her mother Nokuthula Ngazana's visa application was turned down.

But the family, who live in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, have now been given a lifeline after being granted a full appeal hearing before a judge.

Lawyers confirmed that the case - an appeal against the refusal of Ms Ngazana's visa - will be heard by the Immigration Court in Glasgow on November 26.

The family's local Labour MP, Gordon Banks, welcomed the latest development.

Mr Banks, who represents Ochil & South Perthshire, said: "I am glad that legal action on the family's appeal has been successful.

"As with all these cases, there are many complexities which require scrutiny and evaluation, and I'm hopeful that the hearing will be able to take into account all the facts of the matter.

"I remain in contact with the family and continue to work in every way I can to support them."

The family's Glasgow-based lawyer, Frances Farrell, confirmed that the full hearing would take place later this month.

She said they would be appealing against the refusal of Ms Ngazana's visa under immigration rules. Miss Nhengu is a dependant of Ms Ngazana.
Mrs Farrell said today: "The appeal will be held in front of a judge and then the judge will decide whether or not to allow the appeal.

"It's good news in that the Home Office claimed we'd no right of appeal. The court's looked at it and decided we do have a right of appeal and that's why we've been given a full hearing."

Mrs Farrell said a decision was not expected on the day of the hearing.

Miss Nhengu became a household name when X Factor judge Cheryl Cole failed to put her through to the live shows.

Her controversial axing caused a storm among viewers, with hundreds of thousands of fans signing up to a page on social networking website Facebook demanding her reinstatement.

Miss Nhengu has claimed she would face a firing squad if she is forced to return to Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe.