The United Kingdom announced on September 1st that it will temporarily stop processing applications for refugee family reunification. The reason cited was the pressure faced by local authorities, as well as criminal smuggling gangs using the system as a means to attract illegal immigrants.
According to an official ministerial statement, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the UK House of Commons that this temporary measure aims to alleviate pressure on authorities. The Labour government will also establish a new policy framework to regulate the process of bringing family members of already recognized refugees to the UK.
Cooper addressed members of parliament, stating that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees would typically apply for family reunification one to two years after being granted refugee status, allowing them time to find work and housing. However, currently, applications are often submitted within a month of receiving refugee status, sometimes even before leaving the refuge accommodation. She noted that this trend has led to a sharp increase in demand for assistance for the homeless, with some local councils reporting over a quarter of cases related to refugee family reunification.
“This situation is unsustainable,” Cooper pointed out. “Currently, there are no conditions placed on refugee sponsors applying for family reunification, unlike when the sponsor is a British citizen or long-term resident. This is unfair.”
In recent years, the number of immigrants illegally entering the UK by crossing the English Channel on small boats and subsequently applying for family reunification has “sharply increased,” Cooper stated. “There are indications that criminal gangs exploit promises of family reunification to encourage dangerous smuggling journeys to the UK.”
“This week, we will introduce new immigration regulations and suspend the processing of new applications submitted through the existing refugee family reunification exclusive channel,” she said. “Until the new policy framework is in place, refugees will be subject to the same family immigration rules and conditions as others.”
For first-time applicants for spouse or partner visas, sponsors typically need to prove a combined annual income of £29,000 (approximately $39,000). Additionally, in some cases, applicants also need to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Cooper also proposed another initiative aimed at comprehensive reform of the asylum system, including the establishment of a new independent body to handle immigration and asylum appeals, as well as enhancing detention and deportation capabilities to expedite the process of forced returns.
Cooper also mentioned the recent “one-in, one-out” pilot program with France, which means that anyone entering the UK by crossing the English Channel can be returned. At the same time, an equal number of asylum seekers in France will be allowed entry into the UK through a new channel without attempting illegal border crossings.
This move comes as the Labour government continues its efforts to address illegal immigration, a backlog of asylum applications, and what it believes to be a critically needed reform of the asylum system.
Data released by the Home Office on March 30, 2024, shows that a total of 108,000 people applied for asylum in 2024, with approximately one-third (35,000 people) illegally entering the UK by small boat.
Conservative MP and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said that merely “adjusting family reunification rules” and reaching agreements with France are far from enough, and that anyone illegally entering the UK should be immediately deported.
Cooper stated that the Conservative Party, during its 14 years in power before the 2024 election, failed to resolve the issues of immigration and the asylum system. She said that the previous government left the Labour government with a “surge” in asylum application backlogs.
On September 2nd, Cooper announced that the Home Office will issue warnings to international students in the country not to submit false asylum applications to remain in the UK after their visas expire.
She stated that this measure is part of a series of actions taken by the government to combat abuse of the UK asylum system.
In an interview with the BBC, she said, “We find that up to 15,000 students annually apply for asylum when their visas are about to expire – even if the situation in their home country has not changed – then enter the asylum process, sometimes for years.”
“This also leads to tensions in asylum accommodation and hotel resources. These are all issues we need to address.”
The minister pointed out that the government will do its best to support genuine refugees and mentioned a plan announced in the House of Commons on September 1st to help students from Gaza secure scholarships to study in the UK.
According to Home Office data, in 2024, 16,000 asylum applicants had previously entered the UK on student visas, accounting for 40% of all visa holders applying for refugee status.