TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 49

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