A member of the Labour party who escaped from the Nazis during his childhood is urging the government to reconsider regulations that are causing Gaza families to be separated.
Lord Alf Dubs has sent a letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood requesting permission for students to bring their spouses and children with them. Lord Dubs emphasized the dilemma faced by students admitted to UK universities who are forced to decide between their families and their educational futures.
The 92-year-old former child refugee, who arrived in the UK in 1939 as part of the Kindertransport initiative, stated, “I understand the repercussions of immigration policies that divide families.” Reflecting on his own experience, he highlighted that 60% of children who arrived on the Kindertransport never reunited with their parents.
Lord Dubs commended the government for enabling fully funded students from Gaza to pursue studies at UK universities, recognizing them as potential future leaders of their nation. However, he criticized the current restriction that prevents students from bringing their dependents despite having the means to support them, leading to emotional distress for some individuals.
According to the existing regulations, students are not permitted to relocate with their families. Lord Dubs shared the stories of Manar, offered a fully funded PhD at Glasgow University but faced with leaving her young children behind, and Loay, who received a fully funded Masters offer at Oxford University but cannot depart without his wife and infant.
Highlighting that the number of affected individuals is relatively small, estimated to be fewer than 25 children and spouses of eligible students, Lord Dubs emphasized the lasting impact of separating families.
Recently, a cohort of 34 Palestinian students arrived in the UK from Gaza to commence their studies after being evacuated. This group marked the first such instance since 2023.