Martial arts star in visa fight over wife

A RISING MMA star says the Home Office has prevented his new wife from meeting his family – because she has ‘too much money in her bank account.’

Salford-based mixed martial arts fighter Muhammad Mokaev married Khava Eldarbekova in Turkey in September.

The couple have been staying together in Bahrain, where he has been training and she lives and works as a medical practitioner.

They had made plans for Khava to visit Muhammad’s father in the UK, as he has not met her due to Covid restrictions – but they have had two visiting visas rejected.

Muhammad says the latest, a 13-day visa, was refused by the Home Office because of the sum of money in Khava’s bank account, leading officials to believe she has plans of overstaying her welcome.

A letter sent by the Home Office stated Ms Eldarbekova did not ‘explain the source’ for £4,884, meaning it could have ‘been inflated for the purposes of obtaining an entry clearance.’

The Home Office also refused an initial application for a 30-day visa in February.

Muhammad, 20, said: “My dad is 66, he is old and I want him to see my wife so he can be be proud.

“There is nothing illegal going on, I’ve been in this country for nine years and have never done anything illegal. They’re basically saying she can’t come to visit because she has too much money in her bank account.

“I just want her to come visit my father and then we will go back.

“I’ve had solicitors write to the Home Office, and even the Prince of Bahrain wrote something to support my wife, and they’re still refusing. It’s like they don’t want to understand people’s situation.”

A British wrestling champion who has won gold medals for the

UK, Muhammad told the M.E.N. he is confused about why it has been so difficult to obtain a visiting visa. He said: “I may have to leave her here now and to speak to the Home Office, but you never know what to expect from them. “When I’m in the UK and she’s in Bahrain I get worried about her.

“She feels bad about this, I’m preparing for my next fight and she’s been with me through the camp.” Muhammad, who is originally from Dagestan, came to Britain as a refugee eight years ago when his mum died, and he and his dad had to flee Russia due to ‘political issues.’ After living in Livepool for a short time, Muhammad moved to Wigan where he fell in love with wrestling after his dad got him to join Wigan and Leigh Wrestling Club to keep him out of trouble. He then moved to Salford, where he trained at the British wrestling academy.

Even the Prince of Bahrain wrote something to support my wife Muhammad Mokaev