What is refugee family reunification?
When forced to flee their home country, refugee families are sometimes torn apart and remain separated for long periods of time. States are responsible for protecting and restoring refugee family life through family reunification procedures. Family reunification is a State-managed procedure under a country’s national legal framework.
Can I apply for family reunification in Israel?
Once you receive refugee status from the Israeli Ministry of Interior, you can apply for eligible family members to join you. You will then have the status of a “sponsor” or “petitioner” of your family members. Under Israeli regulations, eligible family members include spouses, parents of minor children and dependent children.
If you are an asylum-seeker awaiting a decision on your refugee status or have a humanitarian visa, you cannot utilize Israel’s refugee family reunification procedures.
I have a family member in another country. How can I join them?
For you to reunite with your family members abroad, your family member should apply to the authorities of the country of their residence to sponsor you to join them based on the applicable regulations/procedures of that country. For example, if your husband or wife is in Germany, they must initiate the process according to German immigration law.
For detailed information on country-specific criteria and how to apply, please select the country you are looking for information on Help and go to the Family Reunification section.
