Reunite Families UK has launched a legal challenge against the government’s recent substantial increase in the minimum income requirement for family visas, arguing it unlawfully separates families and disproportionately affects women and minorities. Here’s the full story.
UK Government Under Attack
The UK Government has recently been attacked for its recent changes to the minimum income requirement for family visas.
RFUK Launches Legal Challenge
The organisation Reunite Families UK (RFUK) has launched a legal challenge against the government, contesting that the abrupt and substantial increase in the financial threshold required for British citizens and residents to bring their foreign partners or family members to live in the UK is unlawful.
Home Office Announces Income Increase
The Home Office, led by Home Secretary James Cleverly, announced in December that the minimum income requirement (MIR) for family visas would rise significantly.
Significant MIR Increase
Previously set at £18,600, the MIR was increased to £29,000 in April, with plans for further increments to £34,500 in 2024 and £38,700 by early 2025.
Government Strategy
These changes were presented as part of a broader strategy to address what the government described as “unsustainable” levels of legal migration to the UK.
RFUK Argues Unlawful Decision
RFUK’s legal challenge argues that the decision to raise the MIR was taken without proper analysis or consideration of its impacts, particularly on marginalised groups.
Equality Act Breach
The organisation asserts that the new MIR breaches the Equality Act by disproportionately affecting women, ethnic minorities, and young people.
UN Convention Violation
Additionally, the challenge contends that the policy contravenes the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by potentially separating children from their parents due to the increased financial threshold.
“Complete Surprise to the Community”
Caroline Coombs of RFUK stated, “The increases came as a complete surprise to the community we represent – and at a time when people all over the UK have been struggling with a relentless cost of living crisis.”
Punished by the Government
She continued, “Whilst they have been working hard to earn and save enough to sponsor their partner, the government has punished them once again and for many, their dream of a family life together here has been shattered.”
RFUK’s Legal Representatives Criticise
RFUK’s legal representatives, including Tessa Gregory from the law firm Leigh Day, have criticised the Home Secretary’s approach as “cavalier” and lacking proper legal and impact assessments.
“Cavalier Manner”
Gregory stated, “Our client is appalled that a decision of such import appears to have been taken by the home secretary in such a cavalier manner: without proper analysis; and in breach of critical public law duties such as assessing the impact of the decision on protected groups.”
Government Defends MIR Increases
The government has defended the MIR increases as necessary measures to ensure that families are self-sufficient, not reliant on public funding and will not put undue pressure on already stretched public services.
Reforms for Economic Stability
The Home Office stated that the reforms are part of an accelerated program to manage migration levels and maintain economic stability.
Political Tensions Over Immigration
The debate over the MIR increase comes amid broader political tensions regarding immigration policy in the UK.
Scrutiny on Immigration Policies
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and opposition leader Keir Starmer have faced increased scrutiny and mounting pressure to address rising net migration levels, which reached 685,000 in 2023.
Conservative Party’s Demand
The Conservative party, particularly its right-wing factions, has been vocal in demanding stricter immigration controls, a stance reflected in the MIR policy changes.
Labour Calls for Humane Approach
While indicating broad support for the changes, Labour has also called for a more humane approach to family migration.
Uncertain Outcome of Legal Challenge
The outcome of RFUK’s legal challenge remains uncertain. Still, it underscores a critical tension in UK immigration policy: balancing the need for economic self-sufficiency with the human rights of families to live together.
High Court Case Prompts Debate
As the case progresses through the High Court, it will likely prompt further debate on the appropriate balance between controlling migration and protecting family unity.
Advocates Call for Respecting Rights
Advocates like Josephine Whitaker-Yilmaz from Praxis, a charity that offers services and support to migrants, stated, “It is disheartening to know that courts have to be involved to make sure our rights are respected—including the right to fall in love and live with our families, together.”
Call to Remove “Price Tag off Love”
She continued, “We call on whoever will be our home secretary after July 5th to take the price tag off love as a matter of urgency.”
Ongoing Challenges in Immigration Policy
The legal challenge against the new family visa income requirements indicates the ongoing challenges facing the UK as it struggles with the growing public perception of mass immigration as a problem.
Potential Impact on Families
While both parties look for simple solutions to a problem that has dogged them consistently, leading to the rise of the anti-immigrant party Reform UK, there is a genuine danger that families will be adversely affected and even broken up.
Uncertain Future
It remains to be seen if this latest legal challenge and the public outcry over the proposed plans will lead to a change of heart from whoever takes the keys to Number 10 on July 5th.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Melinda Nagy.