Overview

This bill aims to establish a legal framework for family reunion for refugees and those granted humanitarian protection in the UK. It mandates the government to create new rules allowing family members to join them, and provides for legal aid to support applications.

Description

The bill compels the UK Secretary of State to introduce changes to the immigration rules within six months, facilitating family reunion for refugees and those with humanitarian protection. These changes will define eligible family members.

Eligible Family Members

This includes parents (if the applicant was under 18 when applying for protection), spouses/civil partners/unmarried partners, children (under 18 or over 18 but dependent), and siblings (under 18 or under 25 and either under 18 or unmarried when the applicant left their country). The Secretary of State retains the power to expand this definition considering factors like family unity, child's best interests, and dependency.

Legal Aid

The bill amends the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 to include legal aid for applications under the new family reunion rules.

Scope and Commencement

Family reunion provisions apply across the UK. Legal aid provisions apply to England and Wales only. The family reunion rules will come into force on the day the Act is passed; legal aid provisions two months later.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending due to the provision of legal aid and the potential influx of family members. Precise figures are not included in the bill itself, but this will depend on the number of applications and legal aid costs.

Groups Affected

• Refugees and those granted humanitarian protection: This group will benefit directly through the possibility of family reunification.
• Family members of refugees and those granted humanitarian protection: This group will have the opportunity to join their family members in the UK.
• Legal aid providers: Increased demand for legal services is anticipated.
• UK Government: Increased expenditure on immigration services and legal aid.

Powered by nyModel