Family reunification

If you were separated from your family before, during or after coming to Algeria, you may be able to join them in the country where your family is residing.

Who is managing family reunification programmes?

Please note that family reunification programmes, and who might qualify for them, are set and managed by individual countries.

Applications to access these programs are not submitted through UNHCR, but through the procedure established by the country where your family members live.

What is the procedure to submit applications for family reunification?

Family reunification MUST be initiated by the family member in the third country. Your family should approach the local authorities in the country of their residence.

Whether you can ultimately join your family depends on the type of legal status they are granted in the country of their residence (refugee, temporary protection status or other) and the nature of your relationship. Some countries have strict timeframes for family reunification applications. 

How much costs the family reunification application?

Some family reunification programs may cost money for refugees, asylum seekers, and their sponsoring relatives, including (the application fees, DNA testing fees, visa fees, medical exams, and costs of flight tickets). It is important to confirm the fees through official government and Embassy websites before paying the fees. To find out more about avoiding fraud while engaging in family reunification, see here.

Please visit the following links for more information about specific countries:

For more information on family reunification with your family members in a specific country, please visit the UNHCR ‘Help’ page for the country in which your family members reside. All UNHCR ‘Help’ pages are accessible through the Global Help Page.