Refugee Family Reunion Route Suspension Challenge Heads to Court (14 May 2026)

Duncan Lewis clients AXY and BSZ’s claim for judicial review of the Home Secretary’s decision to suspend the bespoke route for refugee family reunion will be heard by Mr Justice Coppel in the Administrative Court between 13–15 May 2026.

Before the rules were changed in September 2025, the UK had for more than two decades provided a relatively straightforward route for refugees to bring immediate family members to the UK.

AXY and BSZ argue that the Home Secretary’s decision to suspend that route was unlawful because: (a) she failed to take account of the impact that her decision would have on refugees and their family members; (b) that her decision-making process was vitiated by apparent bias; and (c) that the decision discriminated unlawfully against refugees by treating them the same as any other individual applying to bring their family members to the UK.

The consequence of the Home Secretary’s decision is to keep refugees separated from their children and partners for a prolonged and indeterminate period. This is causing real harm to the Claimants and their family members, and to others in a similar situation, who are prevented from living together as a family, and instead are being forced to continue living in dangerous and precarious circumstances in their countries of origin.

Jeremy Bloom, lead Solicitor for the Claimants, said:

The Home Secretary pulled an emergency brake on refugee family reunion in September of 2025. Her explanation for having done so was that she was looking to alleviate the pressure on public services. However, she entirely failed to consider the very real and damaging consequences of her decision on refugees and their family members.

Our clients remain separated from their children and partners, putting their families in danger and putting them under unbearable strain. They don’t meet the requirements under the regular family routes for entry clearance, which means that they will have to provide evidence capable of satisfying the Home Office that their circumstances are exceptional.

The disclosure by the Home Office in the case shows that the Home Secretary’s mind was made up before giving any meaningful consideration to these issues. That is not a lawful way for this Government to make decisions. Now that our clients have been granted permission to bring this claim, we are hopeful that the Court will intervene and that justice will be done.

AXY and BSZ’s claims are being case managed by the Court alongside a claim challenging the same decision brought by Safe Passage International, and by other individuals represented by KBP Law.

Counsel instructed by Duncan Lewis are Raza Husain KC and Eleanor Mitchell (Matrix Chambers), and Miranda Butler (Landmark Chambers). The team working on this claim for Duncan Lewis are Toufique Hossain, Jeremy Bloom, Manini Menon and Ben Nelson.

About Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is one of the UK’s leading legal aid providers, which is multi award-winning and renowned for its exceptional legal services and commitment to justice. The company employs a team of highly skilled solicitors offering top-tier representation in 25 fields of law, and ranked as top tier by the Chambers and the Legal 500 legal guides, and as one of the top 250 law firms in the country by the Times. Duncan Lewis was crowned Law Firm of the Year at the Modern Law Awards 2023, further establishing its credentials as one of the leading law firms in the UK.

The firm’s Immigration and Public Law team is particularly renowned for handling complex and high profile cases involving human rights and asylum seekers. With landmark successes in cases such as Brook House, the Rwanda Challenge, and Manston House, Duncan Lewis continues to provide unparalleled legal representation, ensuring justice for the most vulnerable.