UK Ends Automatic Refugee Family Reunification Scheme

The British government announced on Wednesday that it will no longer automatically grant settlement and family reunification rights to refugees, marking another step in tightening migration policies.

Currently, refugees in the UK can apply for permanent residency after five years. Under the new proposal, settlement will no longer be guaranteed and will instead involve a longer process requiring individuals to demonstrate their contribution to Britain.

In a statement, the government said the changes would end an unfair system that allowed those crossing the Channel in small boats to enjoy greater rights to settlement and family reunification than people arriving through legal routes or even British citizens.

The new rules build on stricter migration requirements set out by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood earlier this week.

These conditions include paying social security contributions, having a clean criminal record, not claiming benefits, demonstrating English proficiency, and engaging in community volunteering. The government also confirmed that the qualifying period for permanent residency will rise from five years to ten.

Wednesday’s announcement further confirmed that refugees will lose the automatic right to bring their families to the UK. Applications for family reunification were already suspended in September.