A butcher shop owner who moved to Britain in 2022 told GB News she is suffering nightmares as she faces being deported from the UK because of “ludicrous” Home Office rule changes.

Cheryl Robins, 61, fled persecution in Zimbabwe before becoming a pillar of the Abbotsbury community in Dorset.

She moved there from South Africa in 2022 to live with her husband Mike, who is a UK citizen.

Speaking on the People’s Channel, Robins said the emotional turmoil caused by the Home Office’s decision to deny her visa renewal has sparked nightmares and sleepless nights.

Cheryl Robins faces deportation

“I came into the country in January 2022. We did all what we were supposed to do”, she said.

“I came into the country and got my British Residents Permit. I was allowed to work but not claim benefits on that. It’s a 15-month period before we reapply.

“I reapplied in June last year and because we bought the business and used up most of our savings, our application was refused on the grounds we don’t have £88,500 in our bank account or one of us is not earning a salary of £29,000 per annum.

“We started a new business and used all our own funds. We never got help from anyone and we pay all our bills. They refused us and asked if we could go back to South Africa.

“Obviously I could, but I’m over-60 and I can’t get work. I tried to do that before I left.”

Dawn Neesom said Robins is living in Britain legally and she has become a mainstay of the local community as she questioned the logic of the move.

The couple joined Dawn Neesom on GB News

“Our appeal went through today because it has to be in by Sunday 24”, she said.

“What is really scary is, if they decline it they give me I think 10-14 days before they send me back to South Africa.

“Mike can’t join me either.”

Mike, who is Robins’ husband, told GB News he and his wife are unable to plan ahead and make decisions as a result of the tight timeframes being imposed.

“We can’t run our business properly because we don’t know where will be tomorrow”, he said.

“If they do deport Cheryl, I cannot run our business alone. We have had to basically put our business up for sale to boost our savings again.

“We have had to basically abandon our business because of the financial constraints put upon us.”

Robins opened up on the impact the shocking ordeal is having on her mentally.

She told GB News: “The mental and emotional stress has been absolutely awful. Nightmares and sleepless nights.

“Just not knowing if I will be sent back. We can’t go together either because Mike will have to stay here and work to send money.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are in touch with this applicant to ensure they are supported while their application is considered.”