'How am I going to get such money to see my kids?'

A refugee charity saw a 77% increase in family reunion cases this year

A single dad granted asylum in the UK has spoken about the challenges he has faced to be reunited with his two daughters.

The man, who fled West Africa and now lives in Teesside, said he was "shocked" after being told by lawyers he would have to pay £1,000 in fees to help apply to bring his children to live with him.

"Where am I going to get such money?" he said, adding it had been over four years since he last saw his daughters, who are living with extended family.

The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, has been helped by Stockton refugee charity Justice First. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said legal aid for some reunions was offered.

He was granted asylum in November 2023 following claims of political persecution - more than three years after he arrived.

"Ever since, the focus has been to connect with my kids," he said.

He had been able to use legal aid for his asylum case but when he asked lawyers for help with the family reunion application, he was told legal aid was not available and it would cost about £1,000.

He said the stress of not being able to see his children had really "knocked" him down.

"Especially with the younger one," he said. "When I'm on the phone with her she says 'Daddy, I want to come to you'."

The charity helped him to submit a reunion application four months ago and he is waiting for the Home Office to respond.

Lawyer fees are unaffordable for many refugees, the charity said

Caseworker Emma Pearson said it was typical for an asylum seeker using "dangerous routes" to travel alone and then attempt to bring their children through safer methods.

She said the charity had seen a "significant" rise in people needing help with family reunion applications.

Last year, it supported 66 clients, whereas this year it has already helped 117 - a 77% increase.

Ms Pearson said most refugees could not afford the fees required and were turning to the charity.

She said the team had been forced to expand to help with cases in Newcastle and Durham, whereas previously their focus had been on Teesside.

"There are no other charities doing these types of applications up there," she said.

The MoJ said legal aid was available to asylum seekers to help with their applications, and support for refugee family reunions could be obtained through the "Exceptional Case Funding" scheme.