Home Office reverses decision to deny father-to-be entry to UK after Guardian story

Dmitri Piliposyan feared missing the birth of his child after news of Labour’s changes to English proficiency tests

A couple who faced being apart for the birth of their first child due to Labour’s planned immigration changes are celebrating after a Home Office U-turn a day after the Guardian reported the story.

Elen Soghomonyan, 23, and her Armenian husband, Dmitri Piliposyan, 25, are expecting a baby this year. Soghomonyan visits her husband every couple of months in Armenia. The Home Office has refused Piliposyan permission to enter the UK because officials have determined he has not achieved sufficient proficiency in English. He meets other government entry requirements relating to income and the couple’s relationship.