Overview

This bill aims to make it easier for refugees in the UK to reunite with their family members, and for British citizens and settled persons to bring their refugee family members to the UK. It also ensures legal aid is available for such applications.

Description

The Refugees (Family Reunion) Bill allows refugees granted status in the UK to apply for permission for family members to join them. This includes spouses, civil partners, children (under 18, and unmarried over 18), grandchildren (under 18), parents, siblings (under 18), nieces and nephews (under 18), and dependent relatives. For applicants under 18 with deceased or unreachable parents, aunts and uncles are also included. The definition of family member includes both full and half blood relatives.

The bill also extends this right to British citizens and settled persons wishing to bring over their refugee family members who are registered with the UN Refugee Agency or a similar international body. The same family member definition applies.

Applications will be granted unless national security concerns exist. The Secretary of State can issue regulations to expand the definition of "family member" and set requirements for proving family relationships through statutory instruments, subject to parliamentary approval.

The bill amends the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 to provide legal aid for these family reunion applications.

Government Spending

The bill states that it will not impose any charge on the public or vary any existing charges. However, the cost of processing applications and providing legal aid is likely to increase government expenditure. No specific figures are provided within the bill.

Groups Affected

• Refugees in the UK: Will potentially benefit from easier family reunification.
• Family members of refugees: May be able to join their relatives in the UK.
• British citizens and settled persons with refugee family members: Will have a clearer pathway to bring their relatives to the UK.
• Legal aid providers: Will see increased demand for their services.
• The UK government: Will experience increased administrative costs and potential increase in legal aid spending.

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