High Court to Review UK's Suspension of Refugee Family Reunion Scheme
The Home Office's controversial suspension of the refugee family reunion scheme is set to face a legal challenge in the high court, as a charity has been granted permission to launch a judicial review. Safe Passage International, which works with unaccompanied children and refugees, argues that the suspension is unlawful and violates the welfare of vulnerable individuals.
Legal Challenge Granted by Judge
Mr Justice Fordham has allowed the judicial review to proceed, accepting that the suspension may breach the Home Office's duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The court heard allegations that the decision was made without proper consideration of its consequences, potentially contravening the Equality Act by failing to account for impacts on women, children, and refugees with disabilities.
The Home Office has not yet commented on the legal action. This development comes as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood prepares to implement further restrictive policies on asylum seekers, amid political pressures from Reform UK.
Background of the Suspension
In September, then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced an immediate suspension of the refugee family reunion pathway, which had allowed children to join parents and partners to reunite. The decision sparked outcry from Labour figures, including Kindertransport peer Alf Dubs. Previously, adults granted refugee status could sponsor their spouse or partner and dependent children under 18, though children themselves had no reunion rights.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, the Home Office issued 20,876 refugee family reunion visas, with over half going to children and 37% to women, according to the Refugee Council. The suspension is slated to last until "spring 2026," with plans to introduce new restrictions such as income thresholds and English-language tests.
Impact on Families and Refugees
Jo Cobley, chief executive of Safe Passage International, highlighted the severe psychological toll on families separated by conflict and persecution. "We are working with families suffering from depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts," she said. "The government is abandoning the UK's duties to protect refugee children, and we fear more will turn to smugglers as safe routes close."
The charity's claim was lodged on 28 November, with permission granted on 19 February, and the case is expected to be heard later this year. The suspended pathway had no application fees and less stringent requirements, unlike the remaining family members pathway, which costs £5,043 for adults and £4,266 for children, with income thresholds of at least £29,000 per year.
Broader Asylum System Changes
Alf Dubs, who fled Nazi persecution as a child, criticized Mahmood for "pulling up the drawbridge once inside" and neglecting refugee children abroad. Mahmood has defended sweeping asylum reforms, telling MPs the current situation is "out of control and unfair." In a Commons speech in November, she warned that failure to address the crisis could lead to increased anger and hatred.
Under the proposed changes, refugee status will become temporary, guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers will end, and new capped "safe and legal routes" into the UK will be established. These measures aim to tighten the asylum system but have raised concerns about humanitarian impacts and legal compliance.
