Story perspectives

UK Halts Family Reunion, Bars 16,000 Refugee Women, Children

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Home Office halted the family reunion pathway in September, ending new spouse and child applications.
More than 16,000 refugees, including about 9,273 children and 5,835 women, have been barred since the suspension, with nine out of ten blocked applicants women and children.
Imran Hussain, director of the Refugee Council, called the suspension a human-rights violation and urged restoration, while an Iranian mother of two described it as unbearable torture.

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Story summary

The Home Office halted the family reunion pathway in September, ending new spouse and child applications.
More than 16,000 refugees, including about 9,273 children and 5,835 women, have been barred since the suspension, with nine out of ten blocked applicants women and children.
Imran Hussain, director of the Refugee Council, called the suspension a human-rights violation and urged restoration, while an Iranian mother of two described it as unbearable torture.