💔 Family Visas: Income Requirement

Westminster Hall

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Parliament debated the income requirement for family visas, highlighting the emotional and financial strain it places on families. MPs criticized the policy as discriminatory and urged for a review to make it more equitable. The government paused further increases and awaits a report from the Migration Advisory Committee due in the summer. The debate showcased a consensus among MPs for a compassionate approach to family reunification.

Summary

  • The debate focused on e-petition 652602, which called for a review of the minimum income requirement for family visas, gathering over 100,000 signatures.

  • The minimum income requirement for family visas, set at £18,600 in 2012, was increased to £29,000 in April 2024, with plans to raise it further to £38,700 by early 2025, causing widespread concern among families.

  • Critics argue that the policy is inhumane, separating loved ones and punishing British citizens for falling in love with someone from a different country, particularly affecting those in lower-income professions and regions.

  • The policy’s impact is disproportionate on women, single parents, and residents outside of London and the southeast, where wages are lower. It also affects essential workers like teachers, nurses, and police officers.

  • The debate highlighted issues like long waiting times for family visa applications, the high cost of visa fees, and the immigration health surcharge, which can total over £10,000 for a family on a five-year settlement route.

  • The emotional toll on families, especially children, was emphasized, with reports of mental health issues and difficulties integrating into society due to prolonged family separation.

  • The UK’s family visa policy is one of the strictest globally, ranking second to bottom in the Migrant Integration Policy Index for family reunification policies.

  • The Government has paused further increases to the threshold and commissioned a review by the Migration Advisory Committee, expected in June 2025, to assess the financial requirements for family visas.

  • The Minister acknowledged the need for a balanced approach to immigration that considers both family rights and taxpayer interests, and emphasized the importance of a fair and evidence-based system.

Divisiveness

The parliamentary session displayed moderate levels of disagreement. The participants expressed differing views on the policy concerning the income requirement for family visas, with some supporting measures to control immigration and others criticizing the threshold as excessively high and unfair. Despite the evident variety of opinions, discussions remained largely civil, focusing on substantive arguments rather than escalating into intense conflicts. Participants provided evidence and personal cases, concluding with recognition of the need for ongoing review and reform.