CONFIDENTIAL
2(k) FAMILY REUNIFICATION
LINE TO TAKE
Refugees have no absolute right to the admission of dependents under
the Convention but the spouse and minor dependent children of refugees
are almost invariably admitted. The admission of other dependent
relatives is considered in accordance with the normal requirements of
the Immigration Rules, but account is also taken of any exceptional
or compassionate feature which might be presented.
BACKGROUND
Although the 1951 Convention does not incorporate the principle of
family unity in the definitation of the term refugee, the final Act
of the Conference that adopted the 1951 Convention recommends
Governments to take the necessary measure for the protection of the
refugee's family, and dependents are normally granted entry refugee status according to the principle of family unity.
and
Dependents of people granted exceptional leave have no automatic
entitlement to join them in the United Kingdom as this is a category
outside the Immigration Rules, and there is a tendency towards refusal
of applications made on this basis.
CONFIDENTIAL