Britain’s Refugee Visa Rules Stranding Children in War Zones
Children are being stranded in war zones due to Britain's asylum process, says the charity RAMFEL. During the Sudan conflict in April 2023, RAMFEL helped 14 eligible people, but eight remain trapped. The closure of the visa center in Khartoum complicates the situation, urging reforms from the UK government.
Children are being left stranded in war zones due to the bureaucratic requirements for one of Britain’s few legal routes for asylum-seekers, the charity Refugee and Migrant Forum of East London (RAMFEL) told The Guardian.
RAMFEL reported that the family reunion process is 'not fit for purpose' and endangers applicants, putting them at risk of trafficking or death.
During the Sudan conflict in April 2023, RAMFEL assisted 14 people eligible to travel to the UK, but eight remain trapped facing extreme risks.
The UK's closure of its visa application center in Khartoum, without waiving biometric registration, complicates the situation.
Eritrean refugee Yusef, in the UK, struggles to bring his brothers from Sudan via Egypt due to lack of facilities.
RAMFEL urges the UK government to reform its system to prevent refugees from taking hazardous routes.