In the United Kingdom, the Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) visa route was established to allow elderly or infirm parents and relatives to join family members in the UK, where they can receive the care and support they require. However, the practical application of this route has become a significant obstacle for many families, often resulting in prolonged separation and emotional distress.
Under the Immigration Rules, specifically Appendix Adult Dependent Relative, an applicant must demonstrate that they require long-term personal care to perform everyday tasks due to age, illness, or disability. Additionally, it must be shown that such care is not available or affordable in the applicant's home country, even with the financial assistance of the UK-based sponsor. The sponsor must also confirm that they can maintain, accommodate, and care for the applicant without recourse to public funds.
These stringent requirements have led to a high rate of refusals. Between 2017 and 2020, of the 908 ADR applications made, only 35 were approved at the first attempt, resulting in a success rate of approximately 4% (Hansard).
The implications of these refusals are profound. Families are often left in limbo, separated by borders and bureaucracy, while elderly relatives remain without the necessary care and support. The emotional toll on both the applicants and their sponsors is immeasurable, as they endure uncertainty and distress.
Moreover, even when an ADR visa is granted, the conditions imposed can be burdensome. The requirement that the dependent relative cannot access public funds places a significant responsibility on the sponsor, who must ensure that all care and maintenance needs are met independently. Failure to adhere to this condition can result in the revocation of the visa, further complicating the situation.
In many cases, families resort to appealing refusals. However, the appeal process is often lengthy, costly, and emotionally taxing. Legal fees, travel expenses, and the uncertainty of outcomes add to the strain, with some cases taking months or even years to resolve. During this time, families continue to experience the anguish of separation, and dependent relatives remain without the care they need.
The current ADR route, in its application, often fails to recognise the realities of family life and the genuine need for reunification. It is imperative that the system evolves to consider the human aspects of immigration, ensuring that families can be together when necessary, without being subjected to insurmountable barriers.
Reform should focus on creating a more compassionate and realistic framework that acknowledges the complexities of caregiving and the importance of family unity. By doing so, the UK can uphold its values of fairness, compassion, and respect for human dignity.