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.
🇦🇺 Australia 🇦🇺
If you have family members in Australia, there may be family reunification or sponsored visa options available to you. Please visit our Help Australia page for more information.
🇦🇹 Austria 🇦🇹
If you were separated from your family members who are now in Austria, you may be able to join them in Austria under particular conditions that you can find here.
🇧🇪 Belgium 🇧🇪
If you were separated from your family members who are now in Belgium, you may be able to join them in Belgium under particular conditions. You can find more information and other requirements like having a visa here.
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
For more information on family reunification to Bosnia and Herzegovina, please visit our Bosnia and Herzegovina Help page.
🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇦
If you have family members who have been recognized as refugees by the Canadian government, you may be able to join them under certain circumstances. You can find more information on our Help Canada webpage.
🇭🇷 Croatia 🇭🇷
According to Croatian legislation, if your family member has been granted international protection (asylum or subsidiary protection) you have the right to come to Croatia and continue living there. For more information on who is eligible, please visit our Help Croatia webpage.
🇩🇪 Germany 🇩🇪
You may be able to join your family in Germany depending on the type of legal status they have and your relationship to them. You can find information on who is eligible to apply for family reunification in Germany, how to apply and who can help you here.
🇮🇪 Ireland 🇮🇪
If you were separated from your family members who are now in Ireland, you may be able to join them in Ireland under particular conditions. You can find out who is eligible and how to apply here.
🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇳🇱
If you were separated from your family members who are now in the Netherlands, you may be able to join them in the Netherlands under particular conditions. You can find more information here and be directed to information from the Dutch Council for Refugees who can inform you about the process.
🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇳🇿
If you have family members in New Zealand, there may be family reunification or sponsored visa options available to you. Please visit our Help New Zealand page for more information.
🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇨🇭
If your core family is in Switzerland, you may join them under certain conditions. Whether you can join your family will ultimately depend on their legal status in Switzerland. For information on who is eligible and more details, please visit our Help Switzerland webpage.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇬🇧
You may be able to join your family in the UK depending on the type of legal status they have and your relationship to them. You can find information on who is eligible to apply for family reunification in the UK, how to apply and who can help you here.
🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸
If your relative has entered the United States as a resettled refugee or been granted asylum in the United States, they may be eligible to petition for you to join them in the United States. For more information on the available family reunification processes, please visit our Help USA page.
If you are seeking information about a family reunification program in a country that is not listed on one of UNHCR´s HELP pages, please search for “family reunification” on the government website of the destination country.
Please note UNHCR and its partners maintain a zero-tolerance policy against fraud and corruption, sexual exploitation and abuse and any form of solicitation for money or favours in exchange for assistance and services. Please report any complaints to UNHCR via the helpline number (+923041111437) or email ID [email protected].
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