Marriage in The UK/ applying for a Visa

[blessedlady]

A friend who is living in the UK illegally and had his divorced filed in the UK . IN June 2004 , he finally received the certificate: Decree Absolute got married in Dec 2004. Since he has to leave UK and apply for entry clearance. He didn't occur to his mind that there will be a future problem , he taught that this will be okey.

He is doubtful that he will not be granted because his divorce is ONLY VALID in this country, not the country of his origin.

When he asked the Embassy regarding the divorce he had in the UK. One of the Consul said that the marriage was not VALID in the Philippines and needed to file ANNULMENT . It might be valid here but in his own country , NO WAY. And also he is STILL legally married in the Phil. (eventhough his wife signed the petition). It was very hard for to find a secure job, ( I wonder how come others obtained NI???) He only works on and off. He managed to work in one of the company by showing a fake visa , stamped on his passport, which he paid for 1,500 pounds, but it only lasted for a year, because the company needed his N.I> Inland Revenue sent him a letter also. He only had a tempo N.I. ? emergency tax code ? He was really desperate to get his legaltiy in the UK, the only option is to get married.

If he will file the annulment , it will take him 1 year. 2years maximum, depending on his case.

The Only reason he divorced his wife is to get his legality in the UK, (After 12 years of marriage) .



Any advise please . Many thanks.

[IMMIGRATION LAWYER]

Hello,

When did he come here ? His nationality ? Nationality of the divorced spouse ?

Why did he decide to get a divorce in the UK ?

[blessedlady]

Hello,

When did he come here ? His nationality ? Nationality of the divorced spouse ?

Why did he decide to get a divorce in the UK ?

When did he come here ?
He came in 1998. He is a Filipino. The nationality of the divorced wife is also same as his. The wife is in the Philippines.

He decided to get a divorce in this country because it is easy to get one, not unlike in the Philippines, and he cannot travel to attend the hearing in the Phil. just in case he file a petition in the Philippines. This is a must.

Majority of illegal Filipino used to do that (sorry) but that's true.

But for those who is living here legally, they can travel , so they can file the petition and attend hearing in the country.
But if a Former Filipino became a Britich Citizen, Divorce is recognised in the Phil.

thank you.

[VictoriaS]

He needs to talk to the people in the consulate. They will be familiar with what to do in this situation, as they know the problems of the difficulties in obtaining divorces in the Philippenes. It may be that he will have to apply for the unmarried partner visa instead, or it may be that they will recognise the UK marriage, I am not sure, but they will know.

Victoria

[blessedlady]

Hello,

When did he come here ? His nationality ? Nationality of the divorced spouse ?

Why did he decide to get a divorce in the UK ?

When did he come here ?
He came in 1998. He is a Filipino. The nationality of the divorced wife is also same as his and in the Philippines.
He decided to get a divorce in this country because it is easy to get one, not unlike in the Philippines, and he cannot travel to attend the hearing in the Phil. just in case he file a petition in the Philippines. This is a must.

Majority of illegal Filipino used to do that (sorry) but that's true.

But for those who is living here legally, they can travel , so they can file the petition and attend hearing in the country.
But if a Former Filipino became a Britich Citizen, Divorce is recognised in the Phil.

thank you.

[blessedlady]

He needs to talk to the people in the consulate. They will be familiar with what to do in this situation, as they know the problems of the difficulties in obtaining divorces in the Philippenes. It may be that he will have to apply for the unmarried partner visa instead, or it may be that they will recognise the UK marriage, I am not sure, but they will know.

Victoria

He already spoken to the Consul, and told that his marriage is NOT VALID in the Philippines. Because he is still a Filipino.

Since he is living in the country illegally, he needs to get an entry clearance visa. He came having a transit Visa only. I wonder if the ECO in Manila will accept his marriage in the UK valid or not?

So just in case, it will not be recognised by the ECO, can he apply for the
Unmarried Partner Visa , instead.

[VictoriaS]

Yes. If he has been living with his partner for two years then he can apply for the unmarried partner visa.

Victoria