Overview

This bill aims to make it easier for family members of refugees and those granted humanitarian protection to join them in the UK. It mandates the government to create new immigration rules facilitating family reunification and ensures access to legal aid during the application process.

Description

The bill introduces two key provisions. Firstly, it compels the Secretary of State to establish new rules within six months, enabling family reunification for refugees and those with humanitarian protection. These rules will define who constitutes a "family member," encompassing parents, spouses (including civil and unmarried partners), children (under 18 or under 25 if unmarried when the refugee left their home country), and siblings (under 18 or under 25 if unmarried when the refugee left their home country). The Secretary of State also has the power to include additional individuals based on factors such as family unity, a child's best interests, and dependency. Definitions of "adopted" and "best interests of a child" are aligned with existing immigration rules and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Secondly, the bill amends the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 to provide legal aid for applications made under the new family reunification rules.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it will likely lead to increased costs associated with processing additional applications for leave to enter or remain in the UK and providing legal aid, the extent of which is currently undetermined.

Groups Affected

• Refugees and individuals granted humanitarian protection: They will benefit directly by potentially being reunited with their families.
• Family members of refugees and those with humanitarian protection: They will have a clearer pathway to join their loved ones in the UK.
• Legal aid providers: They may experience increased demand for their services.
• UK government: Will face increased administrative costs associated with applications and legal aid.

Powered by nyModel