The Refugee Family Reunion Bill: what is it and what could it change?
Right now, families torn apart by war and persecution face enormous barriers to reuniting in the UK – many wait months or even years for a decision, are forced to pay exorbitant fees, or are simply unable to bring loved ones to safety under restrictive laws. Through our legal and social work with refugee families, we see how this particularly affects unaccompanied children, leaving them stranded in unsafe camps or in war zones.
A few weeks ago, we welcomed the introduction of a new Private Members Bill, which aims to address some of those challenges by expanding eligibility for refugee family reunion. Without Government backing, the bill’s future is uncertain – but it’s a vital opportunity to put pressure on policy makers to finally fix the UK’s broken family reunion system.
What is the Refugee Family Reunion Bill?
Refugee family reunion is a process that allows refugees to bring immediate family members to the UK once they have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection. But the UK’s system shuts out many refugees from this right, including child refugees, and is one of the most restrictive family reunion policies in Europe.
Introduced in September 2024, the Refugee Family Reunion Bill seeks to fix these barriers and give more refugees the right to be reunited with loved ones. Specifically, the bill would:
Enable children outside the UK to reunite with refugee siblings or other family members already in the country.
Allow unaccompanied child refugees in the UK to sponsor their parents and siblings—a right they are currently denied.
Remove bureaucratic and financial barriers that make family reunion difficult.
Why this bill matters
At Safe Passage International, we’ve seen first-hand how restrictive policies force refugees—especially children—into impossible situations. Research has shown family ties are a key reason that people risk their lives on flimsy boats to reach the UK – many are being forced to turn to smugglers to join loved ones when they can’t access a family reunion pathway.
Families should never have to choose between separation and danger, yet that is the reality under current laws.
The Refugee Family Reunion Bill is a crucial step forward. While its future remains uncertain, its impact goes beyond legislation—it’s about shifting the conversation towards justice and compassion.
What has happened so far?
The bill has already gone through several important stages in the House of Lords and received strong support from across the political spectrum. But there is still a long way to go until it reaches – if it does – the House of Commons, and even more before it becomes law.
Click below to learn more about the different steps of the bill’s journey so far.
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The bill was introduced in the House of Lords by Baroness Hamwee, bringing hope to many refugees who are currently unable to reunite, and finally putting much-needed changes to our broken family reunion system on the Parliament’s agenda.
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During the second reading, peers debated the principles of the bill and highlighted why fixing the broken family reunion system was so important. We saw strong cross-party support emerge, as well as peers emphasising the importance of family unity and of safe alternatives to dangerous journeys across the Channel.
As Baroness Mobarik put it: “This change to the refugee family reunion rules would have a huge and positive impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our country.”
Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle also made a key point: “The UK has far fewer rights for child refugees than nearly all of the rest of Europe.”
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The bill reached the Committee stage on January 17th, where peers debated 33 proposed amendments. Many of these aimed to weaken the bill by further restricting family reunion rights. Thankfully, all amendments were withdrawn due to a lack of consensus – but it is alarming to see that support for fixing our broken family reunion system remains so fragile.
What happens next?
The bill still has a long way to go. After one more session in the Committee stage, it will be just two steps away from reaching the House of Commons – but it might not even get that far.
As a private member’s bill, it doesn’t get priority in Parliament. Without government backing and with mixed support in the House of Lords, there’s a real risk it could fail at any stage. That’s why we’re working closely with peers to build momentum and rally support for these much-needed changes. You can read our briefing here to learn more about the bill and what we’re calling for.
While the fight for family reunion is far from over, seeing this issue on Parliament’s agenda after years of campaigning is a step forward. It’s an opportunity to engage with a new cohort of decision-makers and push for action.
We also know a major government-led immigration bill is expected to be introduced soon. We’ll be keeping the pressure on parliamentarians to ensure family reunion remains a key part of the debate.