An Indian family living in Derry has been split up – thanks to the British Home Office.
Basil Kuriakose is in Derry but his wife Jisha has been stranded in India for seven months because she gave birth to her daughter Riona when she was there visiting her sick mother.
Jisha cannot bring Riona here until the child is given a passport.
A spokesperson for the Home Office told BBC Radio Foyle: “First time and overseas passport applications can take longer.”
The family says it would take up to four and a half months for Riona to get her passport but it has now been seven months.
Jisha Kuriakose has a British passport. The last time the family were together was in India in August.
Mr Kuriakose told BBC Radio Foyle he feels helpless and being kept apart is having a devastating effect on them all.
“The children really miss their mum and I really miss my wife. I am just hoping she will be home before Christmas. There is nothing else I can do,” he said.
“My wife is really upset as well. I don’t know how much longer I can afford this.”
A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “Her Majesty’s Passport Office will not issue a passport until all necessary checks have been satisfactorily completed.
“We remain in contact with Mr and Mrs Kuriakose about their application.”
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