A MAN claims his South African wife’s life is at risk because she is being denied a visa to come and live in the UK.

James Dean of Aylesbury Road, Boscombe, met former hospital finance manager Juanita, from South Africa, on the internet.

The couple, both 52, celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary thousands of miles apart on April 29 this year.

Initially Mr Dean lived with Juanita in Kimberley but moved to Dorset to prepare for Juanita to join him.

He says they have spent thousands in their fight to gain a three-year settlement visa and were shocked when she was turned down.

He said: “It appears that there is nothing anybody can do to bring her out.

“It makes my blood boil. I am totally at a loss where to go.”

Juanita lives with her brother on a farm but racial violence in the area means she must carry a gun at all times said Mr Dean.

“When Nelson Mandela dies, they are going to have another Zimbabwe. I don’t care how they get her here, I just want her here,” he said.

A Home Office spokesperson said it was not allowed to comment until after the General Election.

James Davis, an immigration advisor from Dorset, said in his experience entry clearance officers at embassies tended to “interpret rules very strictly and frequently refuse applications”.

He added: “When they refuse, they do have to give a reason and there is a right of appeal.”

Spouses have a right to join their partners in the UK, but only if they pass the criteria and living in a violent place does not necessarily qualify a person for refugee status.

“If she was personally targeted and the authorities were compliant, you could talk about gaining asylum, but to want to get away from a place that is generally violent carries no weight at all,” he said.

Lyn Tucker, legal executive at Ellis Jones Solicitors, said as a general rule people should get specialist legal advice at the earliest possible opportunity when applying for a visa to prevent such situations from arising.

Anyone who can help Mr Dean can contact him on 07818 884043.