I appreciate the concerns raised and note that the Government's refugee family reunion policy allows immediate family members of a person in the UK with refugee leave or humanitarian protection status - that is a spouse or partner and children under the age of 18, who formed part of the family unit before the sponsor fled their country of origin - to reunite with them in the UK. I am very glad that such a scheme exists, which makes sure that family members that have been divided can once again be reunited.
I appreciate your belief that the Government should expand the scheme, however as I understand it there are no plans to widen the criteria. The criteria are fully compliant with the UK's international obligations, and enable thousands of people each year to be reunited with their families in the UK. Three discretionary resettlement schemes are also in place for recognised refugees for whom resettlement is the most appropriate answer. These schemes are operated in partnership with the UNHCR: Gateway; Mandate; and the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) scheme.
I am pleased to report that the Government continues to work with key EU Member States to ensure the family reunification process works effectively. The UK and France have committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Dublin III Regulation are used efficiently and effectively. To assist the handling of such cases, the two Governments have established a permanent official contact group, agreed single points of contact within respective Dublin Units and the UK has seconded an asylum expert to the French administration to facilitate the improvement of all stages of the process. The Government is also providing support to the Dublin Units in Greece and Italy bilaterally and through the European Asylum Support Office.
I also note the various issues raised about the future of the Dublin Regulation, but I would stress that there will be no immediate change. The Prime Minister will consider the UK's future policy in this area and will take part in discussions with our EU neighbours through the exit negotiation process.Â
The Department for Exiting the European Union has also been set up, which will work on delivering the outcome of the referendum, advising on issues such as the Dublin Regulation, and objectively exploring options for our future relationship with Europe and the rest of the world from outside the EU. The Home Office will play a leading role in trying to work out the options for leaving the EU at the same time as maintaining good levels of co-operation on issues such as this.
