Written evidence (FAM0065)

I moved to UK in 2004 and acquired British Citizenship in 2013. My husband and I work for the NHS and have been involved as front line looking after our patients through the pandemic.

We ensured their prescription were delivered on time, they were vaccinated (in particular) the most vulnerable on our list.

While our kids were born, my parents came and supported us. They helped during the first few months as we have no immediate family in this country. Yes, we could and did use the local nursery, However, the love and affection from grandma and grandpa cannot be replaced.

As my children grew, my parents would come time and again to spend time with us.

Now our kids are grown up, their grandparents cannot travel due to their frailty and other physical illnesses.

I have to keep travelling to India to look after them, taking time off work and unpaid leave.

Yes, I can arrange carers, help at home in India but ask any elderly who would they like to spend time with – the love and care from one’s own children cannot be replaced with even the finest carers. I feel saddened that I cannot bring them here.

This is affecting my mental well-being.

Our kids cannot see their grandparents until they can visit them in India which is only during school holidays.

How justified is this cruel system of not allowing elderly, helpless ageing parents to join their own children and grandchildren for no more than 180 days in a calendar year?

September 2022