Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that the issuing of 30-day entry clearance visas does not inhibit refugee family reunion; and for what reasons such time-limited entry clearance visas are issued.

When a family reunion application is made, individuals can specify when they would like the visa to be valid from to take account of their need to make the necessary travel arrangements. If there is any delay expected in the processing time of the application, the individual will be contacted by UKVI and informed about the delay. Where someone is unable to make arrangements to travel to the UK within 30 days, they can apply for a replacement visa.

We continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure we deliver further improvements including reviewing the visa issuing processes and associated guidance.