Katherine Dennis, Isobel Asti and Hana Bibi write for Family Law Journal on the impact of UK family visa rules on families

In an article for Family Law Journal, Katherine Dennis, (Knowledge Development Lawyer in the Immigration team), Isobel Asti (Associate in the Family team) and Hana Bibi (Associate in the Immigration team) examine the intersection of the UK’s family visa rules with the family law issues and concerns that may arise when families are separated for immigration reasons.

In the piece, they discuss the Migration Advisory Committee’s report in June into the impact of the minimum income requirement, which forms a key part of visa eligibility under the UK’s current immigration rules. Worryingly, the MAC’s report highlighted the significant mental harm caused to children when separated from a parent in circumstances where families cannot meet the financial requirements for a visa.

They also highlight the potential family law implications of such separation, the practical considerations parents need to be aware of and the likely approach of the courts in the event of any disputes. This is a timely and sensitive issue, especially given that wholescale reform of the family visa rules is expected in the next few months and the fact that the government still has not formally responded to the MAC’s report. 

Read the full piece in Family Law Journal here.