A Nigerian family based in Leigh, United Kingdom (UK), faces the threat of deportation if they cannot raise enough funds to renew their visas before they expire in just 11 days.
Cynthia and Bright Chinule, along with their three children, have been living in the UK for six years and are now desperately seeking £26,000 to cover the costs of visa renewal, immigration health surcharge payments, and legal fees.
The couple, who run a popular restaurant called Taste Africana, have been struggling financially since the roof of their original location collapsed just two months after opening last year.
They managed to relocate to a new spot on Market Street, but the financial strain has continued, leaving them unable to keep up with the rising costs of living and the increasing fees associated with staying in the UK.
Bright Chinule explained the mounting pressure, noting that immigration charges have soared, with the health insurance surcharge rising from around £300 to £1,800 per person per year.
For a family of five, these expenses, combined with visa application and legal fees, total nearly £26,000.
With their visas set to expire in less than two weeks, the Chinules are racing against time to submit their applications and avoid being forced to return to Nigeria.
“The idea that there is a possibility of being kicked out after six years of work has drained all the peace out of me,” Bright said.
2021,The family’s journey began in 2021 when they moved to Leigh to raise their young children.
Cynthia, a former maths teacher, started an online takeaway service called Home Food UK, which later evolved into the restaurant Taste Africana.
Bright, who holds two master’s degrees and had a career in the NHS, joined Cynthia in managing the restaurant full-time.
Facing the possibility of deportation, the Chinules turned to crowdfunding as a last resort.
Bright set up a GoFundMe campaign, appealing for help to raise the £25,620 needed to secure their visas.
“I never thought I’d do this,” Bright wrote on the fundraising page. “As someone who has always tried to stand on my own, it’s not easy for me to ask for help. But with only 14 days left to secure the necessary funds, I’ve come to realise that I can’t do this alone.”
In his plea, Bright also highlighted the family’s contributions to the community, including offering hot meals to rough sleepers and supporting struggling families with food donations.
He promised to continue giving back if they are able to stay in the UK.
A Home Office spokesperson commented on the situation, stating, “Our visa fees have been informed by the principle that those who use and benefit from the immigration system should contribute towards the cost of operating it, reducing the level of UK taxpayer funding that would otherwise be required.”
