British Red Cross · 2025
This British Red Cross report explores the experiences of refugee families navigating the UK's family reunion visa system, drawing on interviews with people who have lived experience of separation and reunion, as well as lawyers and caseworkers. It finds that family separation severely harms refugees' mental health and ability to integrate, that hidden costs and long delays push some families towards dangerous journeys, and that women and children left behind face acute risks of violence and exploitation. The report recommends that any future changes to the family reunion route be guided by principles of fairness, prioritising need, flexibility, and efficiency.