Home Office accused of ‘blocking’ people stuck in war zones from joining family in UK

FoI figures show Home Office apparently refusing to use biometrics waiver for people who have no way to submit them

The UK government's family reunification policy has been criticised by charities and MPs after data revealed how Home Office bureaucracy was making it impossible for people stranded in war zones, such as Gaza and Sudan, to reunite with family members in the UK.

Existing policy is supposed to allow those in need of resettlement the opportunity to join relatives in the UK. In order to apply for family reunion visas, applicants must submit biometrics - usually a fingerprint and a photograph - at appointments at a visa application centre (VAC) in their country of residence.