Family reunion suspension:
Recent amendments to the UK’s immigration rules have profoundly impacted families torn apart by war, conflict, and forced separation. On 4th September 2024, the Home Secretary announced the suspension of the dedicated, and free, Refugee Family Reunion route as part of broader government measures to reduce migration. Historically, this approved pathway was critical, providing a secure route for families to reunite safely in the UK.
The suspension of this route places immense psychological and financial strain on displaced families, with many now facing the possibility of permanent separation from their loved ones. Refugee family reunion visas are commonly granted to partners and children of people who have been recognised as refugees in the UK, living in volatile areas. 93% of family reunion visas issues in the year to June 2025 were issued to children or adult women- more than half, 56%, were issued to children. The suspension of the family reunion route has meant that refugees now have to apply for their families to join them through another immigration appendix, the standard route used by British citizens to bring their spouses and children to the UK. However, this pathway introduces significant barriers for recent arrivals, the main one being the financial threshold: applicants must meet a minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year.
The Migration Observatory reports that refugees in employment generally have lower earnings than the UK-born population, with particularly persistent disparities for women. From 2020-2022 people who came to the UK seeking asylum , had median earnings of £18,000 (women) to £20,000 (men), compared with UK-born individuals’ median earnings of £22,000 (women) to £31,000 (men). Newly granted refugees also have just 28 days to vacate their asylum accommodations often while trying to secure housing, employment and financial stability. Given these circumstances, many may find it difficult to meet a £29,000 salary threshold, particularly in the face of well-documented barriers to employment.
Beyedu’s story demonstrates how people will be affected by the suspension of this route.
Beyedu’s story:
Beyedu is an Eritrean national, who first attended RMC’s office in July 2024, while she was an asylum seeker, seeking further support integrate. Forced to flee with her child, she arrived in the UK while her husband remained in their home country
Our team assisted her in registering for a GP first, which is one of the crucial steps to be taken by asylum seekers, in order to protect their physical and mental health. She was then assisted to open a bank account, and apply for permission to work.
Beyedu’s asylum claim was successful at the end of the year, this is when out team assisted her in maximising her income, and finding long-term accommodation. She wanted to make sure she was financially stable before applying for her husband to join her in the UK, so that they would be able to support themselves and avoid the risk of homelessness or financial hardship.
A deadline approaching
On the morning of the deadline for family reunion applications, Beyedu arrived at our Dudley office seeking urgent assistance. Facing limited English proficiency and minimal immediate employment prospects, the new financial thresholds felt entirely out of reach for her. Without applying before the deadline, she feared she would be unable to meet the new requirements and reunite with her husband.
She shared her heart-breaking reality:
“I have a child who last saw her father when she was just two months old. She is now 11, and she asks for her father every single day.”
The outcome
Recognising the gravity and urgency of her situation, our team mobilised immediately to prepare and submit her application before the deadline, just three hours before the route closed. Fortunately, this swift intervention led to a positive outcome. The application was approved, and her husband successfully entered the UK on 25 June 2026.
Had our team not acted immediately that day, this family might never have been reunited. After nine years of separation, a little girl who asked for her father every day could have faced a future without him by her side. Instead, she now has the chance to grow up with the love, care and presence of both parents.
While Beyedu’s family was ultimately reunited, many others may not be so fortunate. Her story highlights the human impact of these changes and the difficult reality facing families who may now be unable to reunite with their loved ones.
Found this helpful? There’s plenty more to discover.
Need help? Check out all our support options
Want more stories and articles? Explore our latest topics
Want to learn more? We have lots of resources to build your knowledge
Ready to take action? Make a difference in a way that suits you
