Asylum seeking children and shattered families post Brexit
An end to family reunification means child Asylum seekers could be Brexit casualties and be unable to be reunited with family in the UK unless applications are made now.
top London immigration solicitors say that a piece in the Guardian newspaper has raised anxiety amongst Asylum seekers, and the professionals advising them, that the Home Office is planning to end the current system of family reunification for Asylum seeking children in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
It is reported that the UK government has talked to the UN refugee agency and non-government organizations about the proposals, with an indication that current family reunification cases may be able to proceed. However, subject to the Brexit departure date, there may be a bar on Asylum seeking children reunification applications after the 1 November 2019. Of course, the 1 November 2019 date may change but top London immigration solicitors are currently working on that Brexit date when advising on family reunification cases.
Those helping migrant Asylum seeking children who want to be reunited with family living in the UK are asking the question “what should we do?”. Uncertainty abounds as it is said that even if the UK leaves the EU with a deal in place, it is still far from clear whether the government will continue to allow family reunification.
How can OTS Solicitors help?
If you are looking at applying for family reunification, you need urgent legal advice to make sure your family gets the expert help and support that they need.
OTS Solicitors specialise in all aspects of personal and business immigration law and have particular expertise in:
• Asylum and humanitarian protection claims;
• Applications for Administrative Review;
• Preparation of judicial review applications;
• Certification challenges including Asylum and Human Rights claims where no appeal right has been given;
• Challenges to unlawful detention and to the Detained Fast Track procedures;
• Detention and Immigration bail applications;
• Deportation cases;
Please call 0203 959 9123 to arrange an appointment to speak to one of our experienced London immigration solicitors who will be happy to help you.
What is family reunification?
The family reunification system reunites Asylum seekers in the UK with family members residing in other EU countries.
After a no-deal Brexit the UK will no longer be subject to the Dublin Regulations that govern Asylum seekers and family reunification. That is bad news for Asylum seekers desperate to reunite with family members living in the UK or in another country in the EU.
Immigration advisors and top London immigration solicitors have already seen a surge in enquiries about Asylum claims and family reunification. Non-government organizations fear that if, after Brexit, the UK is not bound by the Dublin regulations then child Asylum seekers, who are the most vulnerable amongst the Asylum community, will attempt to reach the UK illegally if they cannot get an application for family reunification made in time before the Brexit cut off.
Whether you are a top London Immigration solicitor or a member of the public, no one wants to see an increase in the trafficking of Asylum seekers into the UK, with all the consequent risks for the individuals concerned, particularly the children. The option of child Asylum seekers waiting in an EU country in the hope that a means will be found to reunite them with family in the UK is not attractive or necessarily best for the children, especially when many are so vulnerable to attack and exploitation when they have no family to help protect them.
What are the Dublin Regulations?
The Dublin Regulation is a European law that the UK is bound to adhere to whilst it remains part of the EU. After Brexit, the UK may still need to obey the Dublin Regulations if compliance with the Regulations forms part of a negotiated Brexit deal between the UK and the EU.
The Dublin Regulations set out which EU country is responsible for examining Asylum applications and contains a procedure for family reunification if family members are in different countries within the UK.
Act now
The UK is currently due to leave the EU on 31 October 2019, with or without a deal. They say that a week is a long time in politics and certainly, each day brings new twists and turns in the Brexit process with continued uncertainty over the Brexit date.
What is clear is that the government has reportedly told the United Nations refugee agency that if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, then no new family reunification applications made under the Dublin Regulation, after the current Brexit date of the 31 October, will be considered by the Home Office.
The key message from top London immigration solicitors is that the best advice is to act now if you or a family member is an Asylum seeker and wants to claim family reunification under the Dublin Regulations. Whilst many hope that a deal will be negotiated (or for further time reprieves) nothing is certain. That is why Immigration advisors and campaigners are highlighting the plight of child Asylum seekers as the Home Office has already confirmed that once the UK leaves the EU, the only commitment and cooperation would be to family reunification cases submitted prior to the Brexit date.
How can OTS Solicitors help?
OTS Solicitors are London based specialists in Immigration law matters. Teams of experienced solicitors help Asylum seekers make Asylum and family reunification claims to secure the best outcome for the family.
The law directory, The Legal 500, recommend OTS Solicitors for Immigration law. OTS Solicitors have Law Society accredited solicitors status as trusted specialists in Immigration law.