David Todd and his wife, Claire, have been living in Germany for seven years and are trying to return to the UK ahead of the birth of their first child in October.

Currently, David faces the prospect of separation from Claire as he must return to the UK alone to meet the minimum income requirement (MIR) of £29,000, which is considered high compared to other countries.

This stringent visa rule requires Todd to provide sufficient income proof or save over £88,500, complicating their plans to reunite as a family.

Todd argues that the income of his wife, who works remotely as a content creator, should count towards the MIR, as the current rules are unfair and hinder family unity.

He expressed frustration over being unable to use Claire's income to meet the MIR, calling the requirement 'ridiculous' and highlighting the emotional toll it takes on their family.

Reunite Families UK, led by executive director Caroline Coombs, is advocating for reforms to the family visa policy, including the elimination of the MIR and simplification of the application process.

The Home Office acknowledges the need to balance family life with economic stability and is currently reviewing the findings of the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) regarding the MIR.

The MAC recently recommended against raising the MIR to £38,700, a proposal from the previous government, warning it would further complicate family reunifications.

Reports indicate that the family visa policy causes significant emotional distress and long-term separation, disproportionately affecting working-class families and ethnic minorities.

Another British citizen, Ed Moon, has echoed Todd's sentiments, emphasizing the extensive documentation and financial strain involved in the family visa application process.

As Todd and Claire prepare to start their own family, they are frustrated by the barriers that the current visa system imposes on their ability to return to the UK.

The call for reform highlights the urgent need for practical changes to alleviate the burdens on families seeking to reunite in the UK.