By Horn Africa News
LONDON – The United Kingdom government has announced a temporary suspension of the family reunification route for migrants, a decision that is expected to have far-reaching consequences for thousands of families hoping to reunite with loved ones.
The announcement was made on Monday by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who said the suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place while the government reviews its broader immigration policies. She explained that the decision is part of a wider strategy to tighten migration rules, arguing that the system must be “fair, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the country.”
Under the new rules, migrants seeking to bring family members into the UK will be subject to stricter requirements. These include a minimum annual income threshold of £29,000—a significant increase from the previous level—and proof that dependents can meet English language requirements. Previously, refugees and some categories of migrants were able to reunite with close relatives without facing such stringent conditions.
“This temporary pause is necessary to prevent unsustainable pressures on public services while ensuring that migration pathways remain robust and fair,” Cooper told Parliament. She also noted that the government intends to unveil additional measures later this year, which could further affect refugees and asylum seekers who rely on family reunification as one of the few safe and legal pathways available.
Human rights organizations and refugee advocacy groups have strongly criticized the decision, warning that it will deepen the suffering of families already torn apart by war, persecution, and displacement. Groups such as Amnesty International and the Refugee Council argue that the move undermines the UK’s humanitarian obligations and will likely force vulnerable people into dangerous, irregular migration routes.
Critics also point out that the new income requirement sets a high bar that many refugees and low-income workers will be unable to meet. “This is effectively a ban on family life for thousands of people who have fled conflict and are simply trying to live in safety with their loved ones,” one advocacy group said in a statement.
The suspension comes at a politically sensitive time, with the UK government under mounting pressure to demonstrate control over immigration. Since Brexit, immigration has remained one of the most divisive political issues in Britain, with successive governments struggling to balance economic needs, public opinion, and humanitarian responsibilities.
According to government figures, family reunification visas have been one of the most commonly used legal routes for refugees entering the UK. The suspension is expected to significantly reduce the number of arrivals in the short term, though it may also increase legal challenges against the government.
For many families already separated by conflict or displacement, the suspension represents yet another obstacle in their long struggle for safety and stability. Advocacy groups are urging the government to reverse the decision, warning that the human cost will be devastating if the pause becomes a long-term restriction.
