Overview

This bill aims to simplify and expand the process of family reunion for refugees in the UK. It allows refugees already in the UK to bring over family members, and extends this right to British citizens and settled persons who wish to bring over refugee family members. The bill also ensures access to legal aid for those applying for family reunion.

Description

The Refugees (Family Reunion) Bill establishes a framework for family members of refugees to join them in the UK. It covers two main scenarios:

Refugee Family Reunion

Refugees granted status in the UK can apply for their family members to join them. Family members are broadly defined to include spouses, partners, children (including adult unmarried children), grandchildren under 18, parents, siblings under 18, nieces and nephews under 18, and dependent relatives. In certain cases, aunts and uncles are also included. Applications will be approved unless national security concerns exist.

Family Reunion for British Citizens and Settled Persons

British citizens and settled persons can apply to bring over refugee family members. However, this applies only if the refugee family member is registered with the UNHCR or a similar international organisation. The definition of family members in this scenario is similar to that outlined above. Again, applications will be approved unless there are national security concerns.

The bill also allows the Secretary of State to expand the definition of family members through regulations and to set requirements for proving family relationships. Guidance on the bill's application will be issued following consultation. Finally, the bill amends the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 to provide legal aid for refugee family reunion applications.

Government Spending

The bill explicitly states that it will not impose any charge on the public or vary any existing charges. The financial impact, including the cost of legal aid and processing applications, is not specified in the bill itself and would need to be assessed separately.

Groups Affected

• Refugees in the UK: Will be able to bring over wider range of family members.
• Family members of refugees: May be granted leave to enter or remain in the UK.
• British citizens and settled persons: Will have a clearer pathway to bring over refugee relatives.
• Legal professionals: Will be involved in assisting with applications, benefiting from the provision of legal aid.
• The Home Office: Will be responsible for processing applications.

Powered by nyModel