For many British citizens living abroad, maintaining family connections is a fundamental part of life. Whether for work, study, or other reasons, thousands of British citizens find themselves living far from home. For those married to non-UK nationals, the process of ensuring spousal reunion through immigration pathways can be complex, often emotionally draining, and sometimes financially challenging. In light of this, the British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) has been actively advocating for reforms that better serve overseas voters and their families.

Family Visas (often refered to as ‘Spousal Reunion’) refers to the immigration process that allows the non-UK spouse or partner of a British citizen to join them in the UK. While the rules around spousal visas and family reunion are intended to ensure that families remain together, many British citizens living overseas face significant barriers when trying to bring their loved ones to the UK. The high cost of visa applications, stringent financial requirements, and long waiting periods often cause unnecessary hardship for couples.

Moreover, the current rules disproportionately affect British citizens living abroad, who may not meet the financial requirements to sponsor a spouse to live in the UK due to the lower wages in certain countries, the lack of continuous employment history in the UK or if they are over retirement age and living on a state pension. These hurdles not only strain families but also challenge the notion of equal treatment for British citizens, regardless of where they live.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recently launched a Call for Evidence, seeking views from individuals and organisations on a wide range of immigration issues, including spousal reunion. This is a crucial opportunity for British overseas voters and their families to share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement.

At BOVF, we believe that this consultation presents a valuable platform for British citizens who have partners, spouses and families abroad to contribute to shaping future immigration policy. By sharing your personal stories and highlighting the barriers you’ve faced, you can directly influence the MAC’s recommendations and the potential policy changes that follow.

If you’re considering making a submission to the MAC, here are a few key issues that you may want to highlight:

• Financial Requirements: Current UK immigration rules require the British spouse to have a minimum income of £18,600 per year. For overseas voters, especially those in countries with lower average incomes, this threshold can be challenging to meet. Explain how this has impacted your ability to bring your spouse to the UK.
• Application Costs: The cost of a spousal visa application is often prohibitive, especially for those who have already incurred the expenses of living abroad. Highlight how these costs create additional financial pressure on your family.
• Processing Delays: Long waiting times for visa processing can cause uncertainty and distress for families. Detail any delays you’ve experienced and how they’ve impacted your family’s well-being.
• Integration and Contribution: Many non-UK spouses actively contribute to British society once they move to the UK, whether through work, volunteering, or raising families. Share examples of how your spouse has positively contributed to your local community, and why these contributions should be recognised in the immigration process.

BOVF encourages all British citizens affected by this legislation to take part in this consultation process. Your voice matters, and collective advocacy is essential in driving change. The MAC is seeking submissions from individuals and representatives of organisations, so whether you’re speaking on behalf of yourself or representing a wider community, your perspective can make a difference. Be assured that the BOVF will ba making a formal submission too on behalf of all those Supporters and Members we represent.

To participate, you can submit evidence directly to the MAC via their online form, or you can collaborate with BOVF by sharing your story with us. We’re gathering testimonies and data to present a unified case that reflects the needs and concerns of British citizens affected by the Family Visa legislation.

Spousal reunion is more than just an immigration issue—it’s a matter of fairness, family, and the rights of British citizens. Families belong together, and policies should reflect that. By responding to the MAC’s Call for Evidence, you’re not just advocating for yourself and your loved ones, but for thousands of others who face similar challenges.

At BOVF, we are committed to supporting British overseas voters and ensuring that their voices are heard. This consultation is a critical step in influencing change, and we urge all members of our community to seize this opportunity. Together, we can advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate immigration policy.