Tuesday 2 September 2025

Yesterday, the government announced a temporary suspension of refugee family reunion until Spring 2026. The government also announced plans to tighten family reunion rules and reform the way the UK interprets Article 8 (the right to respect for family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Our statement in response

Families are often separated from each other in the chaos of conflict, war or persecution. Family reunion is a safe and legal process that allows families, separated in the chaos of war and forced displacement, to be brought back together. Helping families to reunite is the compassionate and right thing to do.

Family reunion is one of the only official routes to safety in the UK for refugees from countries like Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Eritrea, and Sudan. Over half of family reunion visas are issued to children, and compared with the vast majority of European countries, the UK already has tight restrictions on family reunion.

This suspension could push more people to make dangerous journeys across the Channel, especially children who are desperate to be with their family members after years of separation.

Our CEO, Carolyn Housman, says:

"CFAB is proud to have supported hundreds of families to reunite and build lives in the UK. We know from our work that refugee sponsors and children are some of the most vulnerable members of our community, who have experienced unimaginable hardship. They deserve to be safe and together as a family.

"We hope this will not mark a permanent end to family reunion, and we are prepared to support the government in ensuring the process is fair for everyone."