The husband of a Chinese wife who was facing deportation while heavily pregnant has spoken of his joy as she has been granted permission to stay in the UK.

David Kiff, who lives in St Albans, married Wanwan Qiao, 27, in November 2016 and they became parents to Oliver in September this year.

Mrs Qiao applied for a spousal visa, but it was rejected by The Home Office as the couple supposedly did not “meet financial requirements”.

She was facing deportation to China unless she reapplied for a new visa before December, despite living in the UK for three years already on a student visa.

However, her appeal has now been accepted and she can stay in the UK for two-and-a-half years.

Mr Kiff said: “It is a huge relief and it is still sinking in. We are looking forward to Christmas and can relax for now.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Mrs Kiff’s original application was refused because at that time, the couple’s circumstances meant they could not satisfy the minimum income requirement.

"However, given Mrs Kiff’s circumstances, she was granted four months leave to remain exceptionally outside the Immigration Rules so that she could give birth in the UK.

“This leave has since been extended by a further 30 months.”