Chef lacked dim sum references to stay in UK

A specialist dim sum chef from Hong Kong has had his bid to secure a work permit so he can stay in the UK dismissed by a High Court judge.

Kwok Shun Yee, 40, of Nottingham's Man Ho restaurant, was refused a work permit in October 1996 after the Government's Overseas Labour Service (OLS) said he lacked the references to establish his credentials as an expert in dim sum cuisine. At London's High Court last week his lawyers claimed the OLS had applied too rigid a policy in its refusal.

But the judge dismissed the challenge and said the OLS had dictated that a work permit applicant must demonstrate overseas references covering five years' work.

Kwok could only put forward references covering two-and-a-half years.

The judge said: "This wasn't a case of a man who perhaps fell short by a month or two."

The ruling came despite testimonials read out in court from his employers referring to Kwok's "exceptional" talents.

The Home Office has refused him exceptional leave to remain in the UK but Kwok's counsel, Manjit Singh Gill, said further representations would be made.