Thread by @LOS_Fisher

EXCL: Commonwealth soldiers enlisted in British Army are having to moonlight in second jobs to earn the minimum required under visa rules to bring their children to the UK.

Situation is “immoral” and afflicts up to 500 troops, says charity @The_AFF

thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/c…

Basic soldier pay is £18,600, meaning an entry-level Commonwealth soldier can bring their spouse, but salary falls far below Home Office threshold of:

• £22,400 to bring one child to UK
• £24,800 for second child
• £27,200 for third child

Plus visa fee of £1,523 per person

A soldier has 2 options to be reunited with children

1) Take on 2nd job (permission from chain of command required). BUT 6 months continuous earning needed, so exercises abroad can interrupt

2) Bring spouse to UK to work (& help meet threshold) leaving child in home country

Commonwealth soldiers were not told of these restrictions before enlisting. Many found out, to their devastation, only when locked into 4-year contract.

In September the wife & son of a Jamaican-born sapper won appeal to come to UK. More immigration tribunals now in pipeline.

Defence chiefs know this situation is wrong.

Lt Gen Richard Nugee, MoD head of defence people, said the department wants min income thresholds waived for military families, but claimed the Home Office is now too “consumed” by Brexit preparations to engage further...