This proposal brings together some of the best ideas on how govt can exit asylum hotels - drawing on work by Nesta, Labour Together, Refugee Council & housing expert, Kate Wareing

Thanks to @jlowen.bsky.social, @jonfeatonby.bsky.social & many others for their contributions 👏

@alfdubs.bsky.social kindly wrote the foreword to FGF’s ‘Future of Asylum – a vision for renewal’ essay collection which includes contributions from charities, housing associations & MPs that consider how the government can reform the asylum system 🔽
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...

This Labour govt also recognised this when they lifted financial & language tests for Afghan families separated in the evacuation of Kabul

Reliant on (non-refugee) family migration rules, these families were unable to reunite until this govt stepped in & opened a new, more accessible scheme

Despite what's reported, in the EU, refugees get more favourable rules for family reunion for an initial period when they're first granted asylum - due to "the reasons which obliged them to flee their country and prevent them from leading a normal family life there"

The fact of being a refugee also makes it difficult to meet typical rules - it's hard to meet financial requirements when you're destitute or just starting to rebuild your life in a new country

It's hard for family to meet English tests when they're often also at risk / fleeing persecution

Refugee families are often separated in circumstances beyond their control

Sometimes people have to flee quickly alone because they're most at risk. Other times people are separated on chaotic journeys, or are unable to risk the journey at all.

Refugees cannot return home to be with family.

And it's right that the rules are different for families in different circumstances

Whether the rules for other types of family migration are appropriate, is another debate. But the rules for refugee families must reflect the circumstances in which people become refugees

In some cases, refugees can also sponsor a child relative, like younger sibling or grandchild. They must usually pay a fee and show they can support & accommodate the child from their own pocket

The rules for refugees are different, e.g. no minimum income requirements or English tests

What are the rules for refugees?

Refugees can reunite with their partner & children, as long as these relationships pre-date them fleeing their home country. There are no financial or English language requirements.