More than 50 relatives of refugees are allowed to join them in Britain EVERY DAY – with the numbers trebling in a year
MORE than 50 relatives of refugees are allowed to join them in Britain every day.
The numbers have more than trebled to 19,154 in a year.
The statistics, obtained from the Home Office, related to those who can settle here after family members’ asylum claims were granted.
Immigration laws allow those granted asylum, including many who cross the Channel in small boats, to make a claim to let relatives travel legally to the UK.
Most granted a family reunion visa are children reunited with a parent.
But partners can also be allowed.
Those handed the visas do not need to meet any basic English language requirements or show they can support themselves.
And they can access the NHS for free.
People from Syria, Sudan, Eritrea, Iran and Afghanistan make up the bulk of them.
Migration Watch UK chairman Alp Mehmet said: “There are huge cost implications at play here, all paid for by the public, who are seldom kept in the picture. And it doesn’t end there.
“Those granted asylum and joined by family members, will be housed if they have children under 18 who live with them.
“Add to this access to benefits, schooling, medical and dental care, and we can begin to grasp the frustration and anger felt by people waiting for social housing and in long NHS queues?”
The Home Office said: “We have a long history of providing protection through various safe and legal routes for those in need.”