The UK government plans to scrap the refugee family reunion scheme, a move aimed at curbing immigration levels amid pressure from the far-right.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will outline this plan at an EU leaders’ summit in Copenhagen. According to the government, refugees will no longer have automatic settlement rights; instead, they’ll face a longer route to settlement requiring contribution.
The UK government has suspended new family reunion applications since September to disincentivize Channel crossings. Almost 21,000 refugee family reunion visas were issued in the year to June 2025, mostly to women and children. “We’re making fundamental changes to what those granted asylum are afforded in the UK,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “The UK will continue to play its role in welcoming genuine refugees fleeing persecution. But there will be no golden ticket to settling in the UK; people will have to earn it.”
The new policy has been met with criticism from refugee charities. Jon Featonby from the Refugee Council charity said the policies would “damage integration,” make refugees feel unsafe, and force “children to grow up without their parents.” He added that restricting family reunion would push desperate people into the arms of smugglers.
Despite the suspension of the refugee family reunion route, alternative routes exist for refugees to bring their family members to the UK. These include the UK Spouse Visa, Child Dependent Visa, Adult Dependent Visa, and Fiancé(e) Visa. Refugees can bring their spouse or civil partner to the UK, provided they meet the requirements, including financial sufficiency and accommodation.
The UK Spouse Visa allows refugees to bring their partner to the UK, while the Child Dependent Visa is designed for children under 18 who are unmarried and not in a civil partnership. The Adult Dependent Visa allows certain overseas adults to reunite with their family members in the UK if they require long-term care.
The UK government’s decision to scrap the refugee family reunion scheme is part of a broader effort to curb immigration levels. The policy change is expected to have significant implications for refugees and their families.
