UK to Scrap Refugee Family Reunion and Settlement Rights
The UK government has announced plans to end the refugee family reunion scheme and remove automatic settlement rights for those granted asylum. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the reforms aim to create a "fairer system" where the path to permanent settlement is longer and must be "earned via contribution to the country." The family reunion route, which allowed refugees in the UK to bring close family members to join them, will be scrapped entirely. This route had issued nearly 21,000 visas in the past year, mostly to women and children. The government argues these changes will help curb record levels of immigration and deter dangerous Channel crossings. Under the new policy, refugees will no longer be granted immediate permanent residency and will lose the automatic right to reunite with their families. Critics, including the Refugee Council, warn that the move […]
