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<p>The UK immigration rules have a comprehensive framework for refugees and their
families to be safely reunited in the UK. Our family reunion policy allows immediate
family members of those granted protection here to reunite with them. The Immigration
Rules also provide for relatives with protection in the UK to sponsor children in
serious and compelling circumstances. The Mandate resettlement scheme also allows
those recognised by the UNCHR as refugees to join close family members here in the
UK.</p><p>In addition, there is provision in the policy to grant visas outside the
Rules in exceptional circumstances, which caters for extended family members who otherwise
do not qualify under the Rules.</p><p>Over the last five years there have been 24,700
family reunion visas issued – and this is in addition to the numbers granted asylum
here or resettled here under our resettlement schemes.</p><p>We issued revised policy
guidance on considering family reunion applications in July 2016, and we need to ensure
that this policy and our existing resettlement schemes are used to full effect to
benefit family members living in regions of conflict and fleeing persecution.</p>
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