Gaza Academic’s UK Family Visa Rejection – Not Urgent
A palestinian academic has failed in his latest attempt to be reunited with his family in the UK after the Home Office concluded their case was not urgent and it was more appropriate for his two children to remain with their mother in a tent in Gaza.
Bassem Abudagga was also told in a letter from Home Office officials that no reason had been found that was “sufficiently compelling” to defer a requirement that his wife attend a visa request center (VAC) in Gaza so she could provide fingerprints to satisfy the conditions for evacuation.
No such facility remains in Gaza as a result of Israeli bombardments, which have continued despite the fragile ceasefire - a fact that Abudagga says the Home Office is well aware of.
Abudagga last saw his wife, Marim, son Karim, six, and daughter Talya, 10, four weeks before the October 7 attack in 2023 when he returned for a visit to Gaza.
He had won a scholarship to study for a PhD at York St John University in 2022 and is regarded by his tutors as a model student.
The family home has been destroyed and his family are now living in a camp near the sea.
Abudagga’s children in 2023. He has not seen them in person since autumn of that year. Photograph: Handout
abudagga told the Guardian that when he read the Home Office’s latest judgment, “I felt my final hope of being reunited with my wife and children after more than three years had been lost. It was very, very hard.”
His wife’s response on hearing the news was desperate. “She kept saying to me when I called: ‘It seems we will never meet again. Don’t make any more efforts to bring us to the UK as it truly seems the UK will never get us there. just keep concentrating on your studies,'” he said.
The Home Office letter also said consideration had been given as to whether his wife and children’s circumstances “outweigh the interests of national and border security”
Legal sources dealing in such cases say there has been a noticeable toughening of Home Office responses over recent months as the government attempts to clamp down on immigration and asylum in response to the rise of Reform UK. Many cases involve Palestinians trapped in Gaza.Abudagga says his wife and children are living in terrible conditions,short of food,suffering from the winter cold and under constant fear of bombardment despite the fragile ceasefire. The Guardian has previously reported on the trauma suffered by Talya, Karim and their mother as a result of Israeli bombardments, moving homes and constant hunger.
Marim is now mourning her father, who died two weeks ago. “My wife is trying to do the daily duties of bringing food, securing the tent from the weather – it is very cold, very windy, very rainy – when her father passed away two weeks ago. The details are very, very hard,” Abudagga said.
In a similar case recently highlighted by the Guardian, another PhD student was evacuated with her family to the UK, having been allowed to do her biometrics in Jordan. This raised Abudagga’s hope that his case would be looked on favourably. “This lady was allowed to get her fingerprints done in Jordan and the Home Office later allowed her family to join. The case is the same as mine,” Abudagga said.
The Home Office was approached for comment and was asked whether it realised that it was im“`html
What is Worldwide Basic Income (UBI)?
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Universal basic income (UBI) is a government program providing all citizens with a regular, unconditional cash payment, regardless of their income, employment status, or other factors. It’s designed to provide a safety net and reduce poverty, offering a baseline level of economic security. UBI differs from conventional welfare programs, which frequently enough have eligibility requirements and restrictions on how funds can be used.
The concept of UBI has roots in the writings of Thomas More in his 1516 book *Utopia*,but gained significant traction in the 20th and 21st centuries as automation threatened jobs and income inequality grew. Proponents argue UBI could stimulate the economy, improve health outcomes, and empower individuals to pursue education, entrepreneurship, or caregiving. Critics raise concerns about the cost, potential disincentive to work, and inflationary pressures.
In 2023, Stockton, California, completed a two-year UBI pilot program called the Stockton Economic Empowerment Exhibition (SEED). The program provided 125 residents with $500 per month for 24 months. Researchers found that recipients were more likely to find full-time employment than those in a control group, and reported improved mental health. (https://www.stocktondemonstration.org/)
How Does UBI Differ from existing Welfare Programs?
UBI distinguishes itself from existing welfare programs through its universality and lack of conditions. Traditional welfare programs, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), typically require recipients to meet specific income thresholds, work requirements, or demonstrate need. UBI, conversely, is distributed to all citizens, regardless of their circumstances.
This basic difference has several implications. UBI aims to reduce the administrative burden and stigma associated with means-tested programs. It also provides greater versatility for recipients, allowing them to use the funds as they see fit, without restrictions on eligible purchases.however, this universality also means that UBI provides benefits to individuals who may not need them, raising questions about efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), in 2024, federal spending on means-tested programs totaled approximately $550 billion. (https://www.cbo.gov/publication/59649) A nationwide UBI program would likely require a significant restructuring of existing social safety nets, potentially consolidating or replacing some programs.
What are the Potential Benefits of UBI?
Proponents of UBI cite a range of potential benefits,including poverty reduction,improved health outcomes,and economic stimulus. By providing a guaranteed income floor, UBI could lift millions out of poverty and reduce income inequality.The financial security offered by UBI could also alleviate stress and improve mental and physical health.
Furthermore, UBI could empower individuals to pursue education, training, or entrepreneurship, leading to a more skilled and innovative workforce. It could also provide a safety net for workers displaced by automation or economic downturns. Some argue that UBI could even foster greater civic engagement and social cohesion.
A study by the roosevelt Institute projected that a UBI of $1,000 per month for every adult in the United States could grow the economy by 12.56% to 13.10% over eight years. (https://rooseveltinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roosevelt-Institute-Macroeconomic-Effects-of-UBI-Report-202007.pdf) The study also found that it could increase the labor force by 4.5 to 4.7 million people.
What are the Concerns and Criticisms of UBI?
Despite its potential benefits, UBI faces significant concerns and criticisms, primarily related to cost, work incentives, and potential inflation. Implementing a nationwide UBI program would be extremely expensive, requiring ample tax increases or cuts to other government programs.
critics also worry that UBI could disincentivize work, leading to a decline in labor force participation and economic output. if people receive a guaranteed income, they may be less motivated to seek employment, particularly in low-wage