Parents allowed to remain in UK while sons, aged 11 and 8, face deportation order
A Brazilian family living in the UK has been left devastated after receiving a letter from the Home Office stating that their two young sons must return to Brazil alone, despite both parents being permitted to remain in the country.
Ana Luiza Cabral Gouveia, a senior NHS nurse, and Dr Hugo Barbosa, a senior lecturer in computer science at the University of Exeter, have lived and worked legally in the UK for several years. However, their sons, Guilherme Serrano, 11, and Luca Serrano, 8, have been told they have “no right to stay” and should return to Brazil — a country they barely know.
Guilherme and Luca have spent most of their lives in the UK, where they have integrated into British society, made friends, and pursued their education. Neither child speaks Portuguese fluently, nor can they read or write the language, raising concerns about their ability to adapt to life in Brazil.
In a letter addressed directly to 11-year-old Guilherme, the Home Office warned that remaining in the UK illegally could result in detention, prosecution, and the loss of basic rights such as the ability to work or rent a home in the future. The letter also threatens revocation of a driving licence — despite Guilherme being years away from legal driving age.
“I could not in a million years have seen this coming from the Home Office,” said Gouveia. “This letter makes me feel as if my kids are criminals. I’ve worked for the NHS, paid my taxes, and followed all the rules since I arrived in 2019.”
The family’s situation stems from a technicality in immigration rules related to the couple’s divorce. Gouveia and Barbosa arrived in the UK with their children in 2019, with Gouveia and the boys listed as dependants on Barbosa’s visa. Following the divorce, Gouveia secured her own skilled worker visa in 2022, allowing her to remain and work legally in the UK.
Barbosa was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2024, but Gouveia is not yet eligible to apply due to the five-year requirement on her current visa. UK immigration policy stipulates that both parents must be settled at the same time or that one parent has sole responsibility for the children for the minors to qualify for settlement — conditions that the Home Office claims are not met.
Barbosa, who shares custody of the boys, expressed concern for their wellbeing: “The Home Office is saying, ‘Let’s just kick two happy, healthy children out of the UK.’ Returning to Brazil would devastate their emotional and social stability. The children are already experiencing anxiety due to the uncertainty about their future.”
The Home Office’s refusal letter to Guilherme states there are “no serious or compelling reasons to grant settlement” and suggests he could continue his education in Brazil, including at an English-speaking school. It acknowledges that while this would disrupt family life, the need to maintain “effective immigration control” outweighs the impact on the child.
“If my ex-wife and I were still together, none of this would have happened,” Barbosa added. “It feels like divorced couples are being penalised by the system.”
Gouveia says the decision contradicts the values of the NHS and the UK’s commitment to supporting families. “I have always been proud to work for the NHS. Why are my innocent children being treated like this?” she asked.
The family is considering legal options to challenge the Home Office’s decision.
Written by: LIIE IMMIGRATION
