A study released on 23 October by King’s College London’s Refugee Family Reunion Project finds that refugees relying on DNA tests to prove relationships face “opaque requirements, inconsistent laboratory standards and prohibitive costs”. Analysis of 180 case files and 25 practitioner interviews shows that seven countries—India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ghana and Sri Lanka—account for most refusals where DNA was requested. While Home Office policy says tests are voluntary, caseworkers frequently imply that applicants who decline will be refused. Only 12 laboratories are Ministry of Justice-accredited, yet 23 firms advertise immigration DNA tests, some outsourcing samples overseas and breaching chain-of-custody rules. The study also warns that standard paternity tests are unsuitable for sibling or grandparent relationships, leading to misinterpretation. Recommendations include clearer Home Office guidance, publicly available provider registers, legal-aid funding where tests are effectively compulsory, and a practitioner toolkit explaining when mitochondrial, Y-chromosome or autosomal tests are appropriate. The report comes as ministers review family-migration rules ahead of a new Immigration Bill expected in early 2027. For employers, the findings matter indirectly: delays in family reunion can affect the wellbeing and retention of refugee hires. HR teams should be aware that alternative documentary evidence may still suffice and should signpost staff to accredited legal advisors before incurring DNA costs.
Source: King’s College London
