Thousands of Refugee Families Face Separation After UK Visa Scheme Suspension

Thousands of families — including over 6,000 children — are expected to be affected by the government’s suspension of a key visa scheme that allows refugees in the UK to reunite with their loved ones, according to new data from the British Red Cross.

The temporary halt on new applications for refugee family reunions was introduced in September by then-home secretary Yvette Cooper, who argued the program was straining council housing resources and being exploited by people-smuggling networks.

However, fresh analysis suggests the pause will leave thousands separated. Between September 2025 and April 2026, an estimated 4,900 families could be impacted — involving around 6,300 children, including 1,500 unaccompanied minors.

Since 2010, 91% of those granted visas under the refugee family reunion scheme have been women and children.

New rules expected next spring could introduce financial requirements that many refugees will find impossible to meet. Charities warn these measures may drive more women and children to attempt dangerous Channel crossings in desperation to join their families.

In its report, the British Red Cross urged ministers to exempt unaccompanied children from any future financial restrictions, warning that many will be left trapped in unsafe conditions.

One Sudanese father told the charity his children narrowly escaped death before reaching safety: “If they had been one day late, they would have died. The fighters raided our village just hours after they left.”

Another Afghan refugee said he lived in constant fear for his children’s safety before they were reunited: “When a father is not there, it’s not enough. I was always worried someone might kidnap my kids.”

Umer Heyi, an Ethiopian computer science graduate, described his anguish after missing the application deadline by hours. Granted refugee status on 4 September, he tried to apply that same day to bring his wife and two-year-old son to the UK — only to find the program had closed at 3pm.

“If I can’t protect my son, what’s the point?” he said. “We just want a chance to live and not be apart.”

Under current rules, refugees can now only bring close family members to the UK if they earn at least £29,000 per year — a threshold Umer hopes to reach after completing a cyber security course.

Olivia Field, the British Red Cross’s head of policy, warned: “Family reunion is vital for wellbeing and integration. These new restrictions could leave children in danger and deepen the distress of refugees already here.”

A Home Office spokesperson responded: “We have temporarily suspended the refugee family reunion route due to the pressure it places on local authorities and services. We recognise the difficult situations faced by families and note that other immigration routes remain available for reunification.”