So, a 10 hour overnight train ride and SC has been to have her fingers scanned and photo taken to be allowed back to the UK.
During this pandemic, her Schengen, UK and passport expired, while she was stuck in Russia...
Then the French 'kept her passport for FAR too long..
Now the Brits have it..
I gave her money to pay for keeping her passport, while awaiting a decision, but she decided to trust them to issue her permission to return, promptly. ))
No passport = no meeting...until she gets it back.
I wish I had her faith.
At least in the case of the French, I had the might of EU Directives on my side.
The British? They should also comply and we would win any 'fight', ultimately...but I HATE these strange times..
Last night some firm from New York lifted $100 from our account and I spent hours in chat...2 times being cut off...as my phone screens saver cut in and 'terminated' the well advanced chat to be refunded and my card being blocked...and a new one being ordered...
During the third chat the agent declined to issue me a new card, so I had to insist via a supervisor..
Went to send money to SC... 'blocked'..."poss. fraudulent transaction.."
Another hour plus in chat to get my savings account card unblocked.
Why, if people are working from home, does it take so long to find an agent.
Are banks cutting back on staff?
I HATE the algorithms that 'identify' fraudulent transactions as 'OK' and what should clearly be seem as me being labelled 'potentially fraudulent'..
((
UPDATE: SC was the only person waiting for an appointment for Biometrics ..we paid extra for a flexi-appointment and there were no free ones for 50 days ahead..hmm? Seems like a racket
Took 20 mins - as all docs had been uploaded to the UK VI server and they just wanted to see her passport, Schengens, previous UK admissions, Russian 'passport' ( ID book) and copies of our marriage docs and my passports and birth certificate
All other stuff was uploaded to the server as *I* have to prove myself as born in N.Ireland, that one parent was and that I've been resident for six months or more .. Have been in the UK for all but 5 days in 2020..lots of bank statements, Tax/ pension stuff and proof I've been caring for Mum at home
Now... we wait ..
SC is on the sleeper train back to Sochi
She rarely puts her hair up, but decided she should for her visa for the UK ?
Here, she sat in a railway stn, and showing me how she looked ..
*I* think she looks totally different .. so I hope she doesn't confuse the poor decision maker
She was nearly asleep before the train came in ..
Nearly 3 days away ..just to get your fingers scanned and one's photo taken !
The best part ... the Visa is under EU Directive rules on freedom of movement - so it is FREE ...paid for the earlier appt and courier return of passport ( with the Visa ?)