UK Woman Laments Brexit Barrier to Husband's UK Move

A British woman, Sarah Douglas, who has lived in Italy since 2007 with her Italian husband, Matteo Ricci, and their three children, feels "forgotten and rejected" by the UK due to post-Brexit visa rules. Despite their desire to move closer to Douglas's elderly parents in the UK, current immigration policies make it nearly impossible for Ricci to join them.

Under the present regulations, Douglas would need to earn over £29,000 in a UK job for at least six months, or have £88,500 in cash savings, before she could apply for a family visa for her husband. This means she would have to return to the UK with their children first, effectively becoming a single parent for months, even though Ricci earns more than the income requirement (his salary isn't considered under the rules). Douglas highlights the absurdity of the situation, noting that her British children could return and be state-dependent, yet her working husband isn't allowed to support them.

Hope for families like the Douglases emerged recently when the migration advisory committee (Mac) suggested lowering the income requirement for partner visas and scrapping a proposed increase to £38,700, citing conflicts with the right to family life. However, Douglas remains cautious, emphasizing the instability and separation the current policy would cause her family.

Caroline Coombs of Reunite Families UK criticized the policy for its "horrendous impact on children" and argued that any minimum income requirement (MIR) would still separate families. The Home Office stated they are considering Mac's findings and will respond in due course, while also committing to clarify Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.