UK refugee family reunion suspension blocks over 16,000 applicants, Refugee Council says

The UK suspended its refugee family reunion route in September 2025, and campaigners say more than 16,000 people have been prevented from applying since.

• The UK government suspended the refugee family reunion route in September 2025 and has not confirmed when it will resume.
• The Refugee Council estimated that 16,300 people, including 9,273 children and 5,835 women, have been unable to apply for family reunion since the suspension.
• A Home Office spokesperson said an upcoming immigration bill will reform human rights laws and that family reunion will require stricter criteria, no longer being automatic.