My friend is a regular visitor to the UK from Ghana and a company director of a large business out there - so proof of means isn't an issue. His partner is also a British citizen - although they've never found it necessary to file for a settlement visa because they live primarily in Ghana coupled with the fact that he's always applied for, and granted a 5-year visa at any point in time. I think it is also worth mentioning that his partner owns a home in London which isn't rented out but kept for their sole use when they visit as they often do.
He recently travelled to the UK and the immigration officer detained him for over 10 hours asking all manner of questions after which he was allowed in for 3 weeks but not before the remainder of his 5 year visa was cancelled which in itself seemed odd.
On questioning the reason for cancellation, he was told that he had stayed for a cumulative total of over 90 days in the year under consideration which he obviously did not realise he wasn't allowed to do and that they weren't convinced he wasn't trying to settle here - a ridiculous proposition at best and why let him in if that convinced?
He wants to reapply for a new visa in Ghana but not sure what his options are. He is also not sure if he should appeal the ridiculous decision to cancel the remainder of his 5 year multiple visa, and if he decides to go down this route what his options are.