Mum, 54, fighting to bring Tunisian boyfriend to UK as she battles cancer

A mum is struggling to bring her Tunisian partner to the UK as she battles cancer and grieves the deaths of several family members. Amanda Saunders says the past six months have been “an incredibly tough time” as she faces gruelling treatment largely on her own. The 54-year-old was diagnosed with throat cancer in November and only given the all-clear last month. But just days later, doctors told her she had breast cancer. Her health battle follows the deaths of her brother, sister, uncle, aunt and even her dog. Now, she is fighting to secure a visa for her 30-year-old partner, Mouhamed Ali Benmansour, so he can fly from Tunisia to be by her side during her treatment. “It’s got to the stage now where it’s too much for me to do on my own,” she said. “I just want him here and I just want that hug from him. I’m a human being, I need my partner with me.” Miss Saunders was introduced to the plumber through mutual friends, with the pair first getting to know each other on Facebook . Their relationship blossomed and they began dating in 2020. Despite the distance, Miss Saunders now travels to Tunisia five or six times a year to visit him. Mr Benmansour has never visited the UK and prefers to remain in his home country, but Miss Saunders is desperately trying to secure a short-term visa so he can be with her for a few weeks during her surgery. Overwhelmed by the confusing online guidance, Miss Saunders mistakenly believed she had to meet strict income thresholds or pay a large sum for a visa. “I would go and live in Tunisia if I could, but we’re in a bit of a catch-22 due to my illness,” she explained. “I don’t have money to pay thousands of pounds for visas - I want answers so he can look after me.” Miss Saunders is now awaiting a date for surgery, which could involve the removal of one or both breasts along with the affected lymph node, likely followed by chemotherapy. She says her three children from a previous relationship are unable to provide constant care as they work full-time and have their own family commitments. She previously worked as an assisted living carer before becoming ill and now receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP) due to her health issues. She says her complex situation and the lack of accessible help have made it nearly impossible to figure out what visa she is entitled to apply for. “Trying to navigate the government website or trying to find out any information is like trying to get blood out of a stone,” Miss Saunders added. “If you try and call any of their numbers, there’s never any answer.” A Home Office spokesperson said they could not comment on individual cases but clarified the options available for short-term visits. They confirmed there is no set minimum income or savings requirement for a Standard Visitor visa - which costs £135 for up to six months - and applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants need to demonstrate they can support and accommodate themselves during their stay without working or accessing public funds.