Swiss 'Settlement' For Thai Wife And Her Child

[AWSB]

Hello group,

My first post and I hope somebody can guide me since I only found similar stories for UK.

My Thai wife and I are in final stage of 'settlement' visa for Switzerland which includes her child (9) from a previous marriage. I'm British but a Swiss permanent resident since 20 years, we were married last year in Bangkok.

After 6 months of submissions and discussions with the embassy in BKK and in Swiss, we have now been informed that a legalised release is required from the father of the child.

My wife was granted sole custody with no visit rights. She has taken care of the child for several years. The father is no longer present either physically or financially, he lives somewhere in NE Thailand. My wife has changed both her and the child's name, sold inherited property, changed passports and travelled. Translated, legalised documents proving these name, property and residence changes were submitted to the Swiss as part of the process we were advised to take by the consulate last year.

Swiss law permits me the right to family reunification. Thai law grants my wife sole custody with no visit right and we believe to have proven parental power/care - my wife is fully responsible locally, I pay for language education and have pledged financial support once in Swiss.

Can anyone advise what we should or could do to close our case with the Swiss?

Many thanks,

Andrew, Thanaporn and Punnaporn.