The UK has suspended its refugee family reunion scheme, citing pressure on housing and rising far-right influence.
The UK Labour government has suspended the refugee family reunion scheme as it drafts new rules to curb rising immigration pressures.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament on Monday that applications to the route would be paused until spring next year. “The system has to be controlled and managed based on fair and properly enforced rules, not chaos and exploitation driven by criminal smuggler gangs,” she said.
The decision comes amid soaring far-right support and anti-immigration protests targeting asylum hotels. Cooper said rising numbers of applications have strained housing, with many families applying within a month of approval. Planned reforms include longer waiting periods before applying.
Refugee charities condemned the move. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council said: “Far from stopping people taking dangerous journeys, these changes will only push more desperate people into the arms of smugglers.”
The government also plans a reciprocal deal with France and a new independent body to speed up appeals.