Europe houses many British nationals, many of whom have foreign partners and children. However, relocating to the UK for work and residence is becoming increasingly challenging for them.
Securing a partner visa for the UK entails navigating some of the strictest regulations in Europe. In addition to substantial fees and healthcare surcharges, the UK’s Home Office demands that British citizens and long-term residents demonstrate a minimum income to support their foreign partners without relying on social security benefits.
Until recently, the minimum income threshold stood at £18,600 (€21,700), or £22,400 (€26,100) if the couple had one child, with an additional £2,400 (€2,800) required for each additional child. However, these requirements are set to increase significantly from April 11th, 2024.
As of this date, British nationals or long-term residents seeking to return home must earn a minimum of £29,000 (€33,800), rising to £38,000 (€44,313) by spring 2025, with no additional allowance for accompanying children. Alternatively, families can demonstrate savings of at least £62,500 (€72,884), increasing to £88,500 (€103,207) from April 11th.
The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford reveals that approximately 50% of UK employees earn less than the £29,000 threshold, and 70% earn less than £38,700. While the policy impacts a small fraction of overall UK immigration (family visas constitute only 5% of all entry visas), the effects on affected families can be profound.
While some European countries, such as Spain and Denmark, impose income thresholds for sponsoring foreign partners, the UK’s approach is particularly stringent. The UK’s policy has left many British citizens with foreign partners feeling “locked abroad,” with families separated as they strive to meet the minimum income or savings criteria.
Reunite Families UK, a non-profit organization advocating for those affected by UK spouse visa rules, highlights the distress caused by this policy, particularly for children. Research conducted by the group indicates that 65% of children from separated families have received a diagnosis of a mental health condition.
Matteo Besana, Advocacy and Campaigns Manager at Reunite Families UK, laments the policy’s devastating impact on family life, emphasizing the enduring scars, especially for children.
The policy disproportionately affects women who earn less or assume caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, individuals under 30 or over 50 residing outside London and Southeast England and from specific ethnic backgrounds are significantly impacted.
Two British women residing in Italy and Sweden, respectively, exemplify the struggles mixed British and international families face. Sarah Douglas, who has been living in Italy since 2007, expresses her difficulty in meeting the income requirement due to her caregiving role, while another British woman in Sweden laments the gendered and geographical discrimination inherent in the policy.
Despite their efforts to save and secure employment in the UK, many families find themselves in precarious situations, unable to reunite due to the policy’s rigidity.
Reunite Families UK urges the government to reconsider the policy, advocating for recognizing British citizens’ rights to bring close family members to the UK without imposing prohibitive income requirements. A petition on the UK parliament website seeks to challenge the minimum income policy, underscoring the urgency of addressing its adverse consequences.