Holding European Passport & Want to Live in the UK?
Financial requirement for UK spouses being challenged in the UK courts
The UK Supreme Court is to review and give its verdict upon the validity of the financial requirement for those who wish to bring their non-EEA spouses to the UK.
The current rules require UK nationals looking to bring their partner to the UK to show a minimum income requirement of at least £18,600 or savings of at least £62,500. These requirements are compatible with Article 8 (right to a private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights. Previously applicants were only required to show that they could maintain their immediate family in the UK without claiming public funds.
The appeal follows the dismissal of the challenge by the Court of Appeal last year and has been highly controversial. Many claim that the inflexible financial requirement has prevented families residing together and has led to some children being forced to grow up without having one of their parents’ present, simply because their family cannot show the income required.
If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the UK families’ challenge this would see a potential increase of UK nationals who are able to be reunited with their non EEA spouses in the UK.
