Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that people granted asylum in the UK will no longer automatically receive the right to bring family members to join them, a policy he described as ending the 'golden ticket' of resettlement and family reunion. The move is part of a broader effort to reduce so-called pull factors that encourage illegal migration across the English Channel.
Under the new plans, successful asylum seekers will have to demonstrate their contribution to society before being granted permanent settlement rights. A government source stated that the UK has been criticised for being 'too generous' and that the changes aim to reduce incentives for 'asylum shopping' across Europe. The policy follows the suspension of the family reunion route in September, which previously allowed spouses and dependent children to join recognised refugees.
Charities have strongly criticised the proposals, calling them 'unworkable' and 'straight from a populist playbook'. Jon Featonby of the Refugee Council argued that restricting family reunion would push more desperate people into the hands of smugglers, noting that nine out of ten family reunion visas in the past year were granted to women and children. Kolbassia Haoussou of Freedom from Torture, himself a refugee, said the measures keep refugees 'on the outside' and prevent them from feeling secure or belonging.
The announcement comes ahead of the European Political Community summit, where Starmer will discuss illegal migration with European leaders. The prime minister emphasised that settlement must be 'earned by contributing to our country, not by paying a people-smuggler to cross the Channel in a boat'. The Home Office is also considering imposing similar requirements on those seeking indefinite leave to remain through regular immigration routes.
