50 signatures reached
To: Theresa May, Home Secretary
Lower the income threshold for UK sponsors of non-EU family members
Indian Workers Association call the government to:
1. Bring the income threshold for sponsorship in line with the national minimum wage
2. Remove the additional income requirement for additional child(ren)
3. Prospective earning of non-EU spouse should also be considered
4. Any support offered by a third party i.e. an extended family member and or a friend should be considered
1. Bring the income threshold for sponsorship in line with the national minimum wage
2. Remove the additional income requirement for additional child(ren)
3. Prospective earning of non-EU spouse should also be considered
4. Any support offered by a third party i.e. an extended family member and or a friend should be considered
Why is this important?
In 2012, the British Government introduced a minimum income threshold of £18,600 for sponsors of a spouse from outside the EU. This was increased to £22,400 for sponsoring a spouse and a child (and a further £2,400 for every additional child being sponsored).
People on low income from all communities are affected by these rules. A direct result of this ruling causes families to be divided; sponsors are forced to work more than one job, or move to another EU country where the rules are not so divisive and fairer. British citizens and those who are settled in the UK are denied the right to family life that the British Government is arguably trying to promote.
These rules have been condemned by many MP’s across party lines, many religious leaders and organisations like, Indian Workers Association, Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants, Immigrants’ Rights Network and Southall Black Sisters.
This discriminatory aspect of the Immigration Act has been challenged in the High Court in a test case. The court ruled against the Government which was unfortunately overturned on appeal by the Government. This is now pending a hearing at the Supreme Court. It is widely accepted that though this may be legal in terms of legislation, it is definitely immoral and unethical to set income limit expectations higher than the national minimum wage.
The Supreme Court has granted permission to hear the appeal relating to the minimum income requirement for partner visas in immigration cases. The date of the hearing has not been confirmed but it is likely to be before autumn 2015.
People on low income from all communities are affected by these rules. A direct result of this ruling causes families to be divided; sponsors are forced to work more than one job, or move to another EU country where the rules are not so divisive and fairer. British citizens and those who are settled in the UK are denied the right to family life that the British Government is arguably trying to promote.
These rules have been condemned by many MP’s across party lines, many religious leaders and organisations like, Indian Workers Association, Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants, Immigrants’ Rights Network and Southall Black Sisters.
This discriminatory aspect of the Immigration Act has been challenged in the High Court in a test case. The court ruled against the Government which was unfortunately overturned on appeal by the Government. This is now pending a hearing at the Supreme Court. It is widely accepted that though this may be legal in terms of legislation, it is definitely immoral and unethical to set income limit expectations higher than the national minimum wage.
The Supreme Court has granted permission to hear the appeal relating to the minimum income requirement for partner visas in immigration cases. The date of the hearing has not been confirmed but it is likely to be before autumn 2015.
