qatarsl wrote:I've been in the UK from 1970's during which I received a NIC (National Insurance Card) starting with NA**.
Since the 1970 I've been visitng the UK frequently. Mostly with a Visiting Visa. Sine 2002 I decided to stay back in the UK as I dont have any problems with work or with immigrations. During this time I worked for a leading Company in the UK, I;ve paid my TAXES, I have a house of my own, I have paid council taxes, my employer has paid my PENSION funds etc.
Last month I had to leave the UK to attend an important event in Sri Lanka. During my exit at the Heathrow airport , the passport control officers issued me with a ISI51A for overstaying in the UK.
I am now in Sri Lanka and I need to go back. I am a Sri Lankan passport holder.
What do u think would happen If I apply for a Visa to the UK again. What do u recommend I do to appeal my case to go back to the UK as I am legitimate NIC holder.
You seem to be confusing a NI card with immigration visas. Having an NIC has absolutely NO effect on your visa - it DOES NOT give you any AUTOMATIC right to work in the UK. So do not assume having an NI Card means you're allowed to work in the UK.
That is incorrect.
So waving your NIC around doesn't prove anything. You need a valid visa that allows you to work - and it seems you have never had that and were working on a visitor's visa. So, it would seem that you assumed you had the right to work here, else why travel for an event!?
You were an overstayer, which is why they gave you that removal papers. Showing proof that you were in the UK - i.e. that you have a job, a home, etc, would not help you one bit. You need to apply for a working visa - either sponsored for a WP, a HSMP or some other relevant visa. Overstaying doesn't mean you're automatically barred from returning to the UK - but you will find it hard to return immediately (and you'd probably lose your current job), so you need to probably seek legal advice or something, as I don't envisage you returning any time soon.
Applying for anything other than a work-type visa or settlement visa would set alarms ringing - you can't be trusted on a visitor's (or even student) visa, especially since your knowledge on NI Cards and visas seems limited, and showing ties to the UK (a home, job, etc) would mean a 99% chance you'd get refused.
So get your company to sponsor you, if that's possible.
