Story perspectives

UK Faces £5.6 Billion Bill for Migrant Family Reunions

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

A Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report estimates reuniting migrant families in the United Kingdom costs taxpayers £5.6 billion over lifetimes.
Forty thousand migrant partners granted family visas annually cost £109,000 per person.
Costs rise after indefinite leave to remain due to eligibility for benefits.
Asylum seekers impose a negative fiscal impact, with costs reaching £390,000 per individual.
The findings may influence immigration policy changes by the government.

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Story summary

A Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report estimates reuniting migrant families in the United Kingdom costs taxpayers £5.6 billion over lifetimes.
Forty thousand migrant partners granted family visas annually cost £109,000 per person.
Costs rise after indefinite leave to remain due to eligibility for benefits.
Asylum seekers impose a negative fiscal impact, with costs reaching £390,000 per individual.
The findings may influence immigration policy changes by the government.