Reform the Adult Dependent Relative (ADR) rules & introduce a family reunification visa for healthy elderly parents living abroad who can contribute to society. Sponsoring children should be able to provide financial guarantees and pay the NHS surcharge, so parents don’t rely on public funds.

We believe current ADR rules are so restrictive that many families are kept permanently separated, even when they could support their parents privately. Many elderly parents are healthy and willing to contribute to the community, while their children, who are UK taxpayers, may be prepared to cover all healthcare and living costs. Some high-income taxpayers have left the UK to care for parents abroad. This route could be time-limited, for example granting an initial period of leave such as five years, after which parents could apply for settlement and, where eligible, follow existing routes to citizenship, subject to meeting the relevant requirements. Reforming the policy could keep families together while ensuring no burden on public services.