Ghanaian Tourist Wins UK Residency After Proxy Marriage Without Attendance

Francisca Boateng, a Ghanaian tourist, has been granted the right to live in Britain despite not attending her own proxy wedding to a German citizen, Fatao Sualihu. The appeal was based on the claim that their marriage lasted long enough to qualify her for UK residency under the Brexit EU settlement scheme, as her husband held settled status. Although the couple did not formally marry until three weeks after the proxy ceremony in December 2018, a judge ruled that their customary marriage was valid under Ghanaian law and met residency requirements. The case has raised concerns about the immigration tribunal system, echoing other controversial rulings where migrants have avoided deportation under questionable circumstances. Critics, including the Shadow Home Secretary, have scrutinized the legal framework allowing such outcomes. The situation highlights ongoing debates around immigration policy in the UK.