Family reunification is possible if you have eligible family members residing in third countries.
The criteria and procedures are different in each country, but usually you must be part of the nuclear family, a spouse or a dependent. You are therefore advised to consult UNHCR HELP page of the country your family member is living in for more information. There is a drop-down menu of countries on the right-hand side you can choose from.
You must provide details on the exact family relationship, location and contact information of the concerned family member. If known to you, the legal status of the family member residing in the concerned country should be provided.
NOTE! Not every situation allows for family reunification. If you are in contact with your relative(s), you advise that he/she/they check with local non-governmental organizations or lawyers whether such a right to family reunification applies to your situation.
NOTE! Family reunification is very limited and usually only applies to cases that have been granted refugee status or complementary protection.
There is a possibility for family reunification in Belarus. The reunification is done to individuals residing in Belarus: citizens, foreign citizens or stateless persons with permits for permanent residence in Belarus. The following categories are entitled to family reunification in Belarus:
- spouses
- children under 18 years old (including adopted)
- children older than 18 years old (including adopted) who are disabled, not married and whom a citizen of Belarus or a foreign citizen or a stateless person with permanent residence in Belarus is taking care of
- disabled parents and adopters whom a citizen of Belarus or a foreign citizen or a stateless person with permanent residence in Belarus is taking care of
- stepmother, stepfather, half-brother, half-sister of a citizen of Belarus or a foreign citizen or a stateless person with permanent residence in Belarus if a person who is inviting them within the framework of family reunification has enough living premises to accommodate them, enough legal income to support them
NOTE! A family member who is reunifying in Belarus will get the same form of protection as the relative in Belarus (will require formal asylum application with predefined positive decision).
BUT this rule is applicable only if such family reunification is done within 1-year period counting from the date when a person was notified about decision to grant him/her refugee status, complementary protection or asylum in Belarus.
If you need help to find missing family members, you can contact the Belarusian Red Cross.