A mix-up by local immigration authorities in County Down in Northern Ireland has left a family separated for three weeks.

Irene Malcolmson, a Philippine native who has been living in the UK with her British husband, was refused to enter the UK after she visited her native country to see her sick father. Authorities claimed that Malcolmson was entering the country as an illegal immigrant.

After a report about her plight was aired on BBC Radio Ulster, her visa became reinstated.

Her husband, Stephen Malcolmson, was also told she would be getting an apology from the British Foreign Office.

The British family has been separated for more than three weeks, with Stephen and four of their children in Dromore in Northern Ireland, while Irene and their youngest daughter stayed in the Philippines.

"I really had phoned and phoned and really worked night and day to try and get her home, but things have happened very quickly since the BBC took interest in the story," Malcolmson tells reporters.

He adds: "I had nearly given up myself, only the children and ringing twice a day kept me going, but in my heart of hearts I had doubts whether it was going to be possible."

Reports indicate that the family will be reunited next week.