Stop separating refugee families

Imagine seeing your home destroyed and being forced to flee your country. This is the reality facing millions of refugees this year, as we continue to see in the news. The journey is only part of the story. After the trauma of fleeing their home, refugee families can find themselves divided across countries, even continents.

In UK law we have something called Refugee Family Reunion, which can unite families again having found sanctuary from conflict.

Whilst family reunion is vital for those that get it i regularly encounter heart-breaking cases the rules simply don’t cover, resulting in the trauma of separation.

Like the Syrian-born Palestinian refugee who wished to bring his wife and children to join him in the UK. The family had fled Syria to Lebanon. Unfortunately, their eldest son was aged 20 at the time of making the application. His wife and younger children were granted visas, but his elder son was refused due to his age. The family are now divided.

I want the rules widened so family members including children over 18 years old, dependent parents and grandparents, and siblings with no other family can apply. A new clause tabled to the Immigration Bill, due to be debated on 1 December, would do just that. It would also strengthen an existing safe and legal route for refugees, helping avoid potentially life-threatening journeys across Europe.

But to make this happen I need your help. Please email your MP asking them to vote for Refugee Family Reunion.

Everyone has the right to live in safety with their family and loved ones