Downing Street says the correct procedures were followed in awarding UK citizenship to Samantha Cameron’s nanny, who it has been revealed is of Nepalese origin.
The Prime Minister’s wife was named as Gita Lima’s employer in her application for UK citizenship. Ms Lima successfully became a British citizen in 2010 after David Cameron became Prime Minister. She received a UK work permit but the issue has caused controversy because the Government is aiming to cap the number of non-EU immigrants coming to the UK.
Immigration Minister James Brokenshire had also previously taken issue with what he called the "wealthy metropolitan elite" who he said used cheap overseas labour.
Labour MP Phil Wilson said it was essential the Prime Minister showed "complete transparency and openness" about any contact between Downing Street and the Home Office over Ms Lima’s UK visa application.
A Downing Street spokesperson told The Mirror: "Mr and Mrs Cameron's nanny became a British citizen in late 2010. Mr and Mrs Cameron did not write a letter supporting their nanny's application for British citizenship. The normal application process was followed throughout. As is usual, Mrs Cameron was named on her application as her employer."
It was reported that sources claim Ms Lima arrived in the UK as part of a programme to stop domestic slavery. She is understood to be a highly valued part of the family’s household, especially after her sensitivity towards the Camerons’ late disabled son Ivan.