UK-EU couples face 'arduous' system post-Brexit

Couples consisting of UK and EU citizens are struggling to navigate the UK immigration system, a study has found.

University of Bristol researchers interviewed 56 UK-EU couples living in England and Wales over three years and found new visa requirements for EU nationals following Brexit had led to family separations and trauma.

Prof Katharine Charsley, who co-authored the Brexit Couples study, said many couples face an "arduous, stressful and draining" process to stay together.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The Family Immigration Rules ensure anyone wishing to build or continue a family life in the UK is in a genuine relationship, financially independent and able to speak English."

The UK officially left the European Union on 31 January 2020 following the Brexit referendum vote, ending the right to freedom of movement between countries.

Prior to that, the partners of British citizens and residents could almost always live together easily in the UK.

But since Brexit, EU citizens without settled or pre-settled status have to apply for a visa to live in the UK.

For couples applying through the family visa route, it means the British partner must earn at least £29,000 or the couple must show combined savings of £88,500.

The BBC has previously heard from couples and families who have struggled to navigate the UK family visa scheme.

Charsley says couples are unaware of how complex and costly the system is until they are in it.

"The system causes enormous amounts of stress and pressure on families," the professor said.

"Children are separated from parents, families have to sacrifice plans for buying a home and some have to change their plans completely and move abroad."

Couples also face extra costs for visa applications and healthcare surcharges, with some being pushed into debt.

These extra costs can amount to £12,000 for someone getting indefinite leave to remain over five years.

Couples who live outside of the UK can also be prevented from returning to it.

The Brexit Couples report was presented to ministers in Parliament this week, calling for changes to the system, including lowering the minimum income requirement (MIR) for British partners and a reduction in visa costs.

Last year, the Migration Advisory Committee, also recommended for the MIR to be lowered.

The Home Office said it was reviewing recommendations from the committee, but said it did not plan to make changes to the MIR during the review.

A spokesperson added: "The minimum income requirement aims to respect family life while supporting the UK's economic stability, and there are no current plans to alter it."

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