HL Deb 22 February 1993 vol 543 c5WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress they are making towards early family reunion for persons granted exceptional leave to remain in this country, in particular for Kurds from Turkey, many of whom arrived in 1989 and have been separated from their next of kin since then.

Earl Ferrers

Exceptional leave to remain is a temporary status. Family members are not normally admitted to join those with exceptional leave until they have lived here for four years with that status and until it has become clear that they are likely to have a long-term future in this country. We are willing to consider making exceptions to this approach in cases where compelling compassionate circumstances exist. This general policy applies to all nationalities.