Numerous single women who migrated to the UK to work in the NHS and social care sectors have been denied permission for their children to join them. Despite regulations permitting healthcare workers to bring their families, single mothers recruited for these sectors are frequently faced with rejected applications due to a long-standing Home Office rule. This rule states that a child can only be granted a visa if both parents are living in the UK, unless the parent in the UK has sole responsibility.

The issue of having  care workers separated from children is not fair as most children wish for their mothers especially those at younger ages. Approximately 150 women have come forward so far, providing extensive evidence that they are the primary caregivers for their children. However, their applications have been denied. The Home Office has cited reasons such as children being able to live with other relatives and a lack of compelling reasons for them to join their mothers in the UK.

For many of these mothers, the denial of their children’s visas has created significant disruptions in their lives. Yvonne, one of the affected mothers, moved to the UK with the aim of improving her family’s future. Despite assurances from her employer, her children were not able to join her.

She has been battling the Home Office for ten months to reverse the decision. Similarly, another mother, Juliet, shared detailed evidence of being her son’s sole caregiver, but his visa was still declined.

Lawyers and charitable organizations are urging a review of these cases and a revision of the Home Office’s approach. They argue that caseworkers should prioritize the best interests of the children involved. While the sole responsibility test was intended to protect the rights of the other parent, it fails to recognize the complexities of modern society and can be an overly rigid approach.

The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association has highlighted that the sole responsibility test is out of step with current best practices. Last year, the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs committee also called for a revision of the policy, stating that it was tearing families apart.

Mothers like Amara, who moved from South Africa to work as a live-in carer, are appealing to the Home Office to review their decisions and show compassion. Amara has been fighting for her daughters to join her since July and believes that the UK should demonstrate empathy and consider her perspective.