Family Reunification

IMPORTANT: UNHCR is currently not facilitating family reunification applications in Pakistan. The information on this page is for reference only. If you want to reunite with your family in other countries, please visit the UNHCR HELP Page for the respective country, visit the websites listed below, or contact IRAP (listed below) for further details. 

What is refugee family reunification? 

Family reunification brings together family members living in different countries. Many countries around the world have special provisions to help immediate family members (usually spouses and minor children) stay together. Refugees in Pakistan with immediate family members in one of those countries may be able to apply to reunite with their family members in that country. 

Family reunification programs are established by the individual countries. Whether you can join your family often depends on the type of legal status your family has in their current country of residence, and the nature of your relationship. Family reunification programs, criteria and who might qualify, are set and managed by the respective countries. Criteria often varies between countries. 

UNHCR often receives requests from refugees about the possibility of reuniting with family members living in third countries. Applications to access these programs are not submitted through UNHCR, but through the procedure established by the respective country.

If you have a spouse or child and require legal assistance to initiate family reunification procedures, you can reach out to the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). IRAP  can assist refugees and asylum seekers with their family reunification procedures to Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States (in cooperation with lawyers and other organizations in these countries) — Please visit the IRAP webpage for more information or contact UNHCR for further guidance.

Which countries have family reunification programs for refugees? 
Dedicated refugee family reunification procedures exist in many countries. For information on country-specific criteria and how to apply, please click on the country link below.