The Government’s refugee family reunion policy allows immediate family members of a person in Britain to reunite with them in this country. This only applies if they have refugee leave or humanitarian protection status – that is, a spouse or partner and children under the age of 18, who formed part of the family unit before the sponsor fled their country of origin. I am very glad that such a scheme exists, which makes sure that family members that have been divided can once again be reunited wherever possible.
There are no current plans to widen the criteria, but if you would like to read more about scheme you can do so by clicking here. The scheme is fully compliant with our international obligations, and enables thousands of people each year to be reunited with their families here. Three discretionary resettlement schemes are also in place for recognised refugees for whom resettlement is the most appropriate answer. These schemes are operated in partnership with the UNHCR: Gateway; Mandate; and the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) scheme.
It is important to note that the Government is also making a significant contribution to support refugees and their families in other ways. The UK has pledged £2.3 billion in humanitarian aid in response to the Syrian crisis, and we intend to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees displaced to neighbouring countries over the lifetime of this Parliament.
By Patrick McLoughlin on May 17, 2016