The Home Office has published a new Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1298), confirming that the Refugee Family Reunion route is suspended from 3 pm on 4th September 2025.
The government says the suspension is temporary and will last until spring 2026, when a reformed system is expected. Ministers argue that the current route has become financially unsustainable, places significant pressure on local authorities and public services, and is being exploited by smuggler gangs to encourage dangerous crossings.
Unlike British citizens or settled residents, refugee sponsors have not been required to prove they can financially support or accommodate family members before they arrive, which has led to an increase in applications soon after refugees are granted protection, leaving families more likely to require homelessness support.
What should you do in the meantime?
During the suspension, refugees wishing to bring relatives to the UK must apply under Appendix FM, meeting financial and English-language requirements, paying fees (unless waived), and complying with stricter conditions. Appendix FM has been amended to allow applications from a partner and dependent child of a person with protection status, though rules on sole responsibility and custody have been tightened.
The government insists the pause is needed to review and reform family migration rules to create a “fair and properly balanced system,” with future changes expected to include financial contributions and longer waiting periods before newly recognized refugees can apply for family reunion.