X Factor’s Gamu Nhengu wins immigration fight

Former X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu and her family have won their immigration fight to stay in the UK. The Home Office failed in its appeal to overturn a decision to grant the 19-year-old, her two brothers and their mother leave to remain in the UK.

Gamu has lived in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, for several years after coming to Scotland from Zimbabwe. The singer’s mother, Nokuthula Ngazana, originally had her visa renewal turned down in August 2010.

Gamu had been allowed to stay in the country as a dependant while her mother studied at university. She got through to the judges’ houses stage of the television singing contest X Factor in October 2010.

She went on to become a household name when X Factor judge Cheryl Cole failed to put her through to the live shows, favouring Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel.

The Home Office had accused Gamu’s mother, who has worked as a nurse during the eight years the family has spent in the UK, of wrongly claimed working tax credits – something that the family has repeatedly contested.

The family’s lawyer Frances Farrell confirmed that the Home Office had failed to overturn the decision of the court to grant the family leave to remain in the UK. She said the decision could bring an end to the family’s long-running legal battle.

Ms Farrell added: “The Home Office has a last resort appeal right to the Court of Session, but I hope they respect the judgment made today.

“My client has been granted leave to remain in the UK so now she and her family are able to get on with their lives and put this behind them.” BBC