My wife and i are having our second child in a couple of weeks,our fist child is now 2 years old. I am English and my wife is Thai. We spend approx 8 months of the year in England and 4 in Thailand. We have a house in Thailand which is taken care of by our Niece while we are in England. She has worked for us for two years now and is registered for tax which she has paid.

We would now like to bring her to England to work for us as a full time nanny and domestic. My wife and i are both in business but are finding it very difficult now with a small child and one due soon.

Does anyone have any info on what we need to do, and the pitfalls that we are likely to come across. I have looked on the British Embassies web site and they make it look so simple (but i know they are only kidding). I need lots of help here folks if any one can spare me the time .Thanks in anticipation, darkling.

Darkling,

In order for your niece to get a visa for the UK as a domestic servant, you would have to show that she's been fulfilling such a role for you already for at least one year. The embassy may perceive the application as an attempt to get her into the UK by the back door, as you are related. However, if you can prove that you have an employer/employee relationship then this shouldn't be an issue. I would advise you to draw up an enforceable (by both parties) contract. Should she be successful in her application then your niece would be able to stay in the UK one year at a time for 4 years after which she would be given indefinite leave to remain. The only drawback is she cannot remain or enter the UK in your absence.

For the full SP, refer to the Immigration Rules.

Cheers,

Scouse.