Overview

This bill aims to amend UK immigration rules to allow family reunion for refugees and those granted humanitarian protection. It also ensures access to legal aid for those applying for family reunion.

Description

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to create new immigration rules within six months, enabling family reunification for refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection. This includes:

• Eligible Family Members: Parents (including adoptive), spouses/civil partners/unmarried partners, children (under 18 or under 25 and unmarried when the refugee left their home country), and siblings (under 18 or under 25 and unmarried when the refugee left their home country). The Secretary of State can also include other family members based on factors like family unity, the child's best interests, and dependency.
• Legal Aid: The bill adds a provision to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 to ensure legal aid is available for applications under these new family reunion rules.
• Consultation: The Secretary of State must consult with relevant parties before creating the new rules.

The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (except for the legal aid provisions, which only apply to England and Wales).

Government Spending

The bill does not specify a direct cost figure. However, there will be costs associated with administering the new immigration rules and providing legal aid, the exact amount of which is not currently stated.

Groups Affected

• Refugees: Will be able to apply to bring their eligible family members to the UK.
• Individuals granted humanitarian protection: Similar to refugees, they will be able to apply for family reunification.
• Family members of refugees/those with humanitarian protection: Will have the opportunity to join their family members in the UK, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Legal aid providers: Will be involved in providing legal services related to family reunion applications.
• UK Government: Will incur costs related to administering the new rules and potentially increased demand on public services.

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