UK Government Clarifies Immigration Rules for Foreign Children

The UK government published official guidance regarding the eligibility of foreign children who join close relatives in Britain. A child may apply to join or remain with a relative who holds protection status, such as refugee or humanitarian protection, provided the relative is not the child's parent and is not yet settled in the UK or a British citizen.

Once granted permission to stay, the child can study, travel abroad, and eventually apply for indefinite leave to remain when their relative achieves the same status. The duration of the child's stay is linked to the relative's permission to stay.

However, a significant restriction is that the child is generally not allowed to claim most public benefits, referred to as public funds. This limitation is a standard condition of this immigration permission.

Applicants must pay an application fee, which varies based on their location, and may also be subject to a healthcare surcharge. Those unable to afford the fees may qualify for exemptions.