FAMILY REUNIFICATION FOR REFUGEES

That this House notes that refugees have a legal right under UK and international law to be reunited with their families; further notes that refugees seeking reunion are often faced with extreme levels of stress and anxiety, which are only worsened by separation and isolation from their loved ones who remain frequently in desperate and dangerous circumstances overseas; recognises that family reunification provides a safe and legal route of entry to the UK at a time of deepening concern that the Government is failing to respond appropriately to the refugee crisis by not taking-in a fair and proportionate share of refugees, both from within the EU and outside; notes that reports from the British Red Cross find that family reunion cases are not straightforward, that only those refugees with specialist legal support are successful in their applications, and that the costs are unaffordable for the vast majority of refugees; is concerned that reunification cases are inaccurately and unfairly treated as straightforward immigration cases; calls for the Government to reform and widen the definition of family under the reunion rules so that it includes children over 18 years of age, siblings, grandparents and adopted children, and allows for adults abroad to be reunited with children in the UK; urges the Government to find innovative and flexible ways for family members to apply for reunion overseas so that they are not put in harm's way; and further calls for the Government to reinstate legal aid for family reunion cases as a matter of urgency.