A UK immigration court has ruled that the Home Office unlawfully applied its "unsafe journeys" policy to two families in Gaza seeking to reunite with relatives in Britain. The policy, which typically requires biometric checks like fingerprinting and facial scans at visa centers, was enforced despite the closure of the Gaza visa application center since last October and the challenges of leaving the territory. The decision highlights the difficulties faced by approved applicants who cannot complete necessary procedures due to operational shutdowns and restricted movement. The ruling could set a precedent for similar cases where families are blocked from joining loved ones under the current policy.
Immigration court judge finds ‘unsafe journeys’ policy was applied unlawfully to two familiesA decision by the Home Office to block mothers and children in Gaza from joining their families in the UK has been quashed by a court.Families abroad who have had their applications approved to reunite with loved ones in the UK usually have to undergo biometric checks, including fingerprinting and facial images at a visa application centre. But the VAC in Gaza has been closed since October 2023 and it is difficult to get out of the territory. Continue reading...
