A report released by the Refugee Council and Safe Passage International has exposed significant delays in the UK government’s family reunion processes, compelling child refugees to resort to using people smugglers to reach the UK. This increase in the use of smugglers, highlighted in the report, has been particularly noted from January 2021 to August 2023, where over a quarter of children supported by Safe Passage International sought this dangerous alternative due to the protracted legalities involved. The charities have urged the government to amend immigration rules to facilitate easier reunification of these children with their families.

In a separate incident related to family reunification issues, a Ukrainian refugee couple, Oleksandra and Yaroslav, faced bureaucratic hurdles when they attempted to bring their two-year-old daughter to the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Their application was rejected following a sudden change in the Home Office’s rules, which has been criticized by public officials and charities for its potential to separate families.

Additionally, an Afghan pilot who worked with the British mission in Afghanistan has highlighted the perils faced by his family, currently in Iran, while waiting for relocation to the UK. His case is one of the many affected by what has been described as a “broken” family reunion system that has failed to swiftly process the reunification of over 11,000 individuals in 2023. This has been particularly critical for Afghan families, who were promised expedited reunifications due to their support for British operations in Afghanistan.

In response to these pressing issues, the Home Office has stated its commitment to supporting individuals from conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, and has mentioned plans to establish specific routes to aid the reunification of evacuees with their families. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains under scrutiny as numerous families continue to face separation and prolonged uncertainty.