Family reunification

The protection of the family unit generally refers to the core family, meaning your wife or husband, as well as your children, or your parents if you are an unaccompanied child. Other dependents might also be eligible. Your children have to be unmarried and cannot be more than 18 years of age. Your family members that live in the third country generally have to have been recognized as refugees.

Procedures to reunite with your family vary depending on the rules of the third country. In some countries you have to file an application in a specific timeframe (e.g. the first three months after being recognized as a refugee). Generally, you will have to file an application with an embassy of the country that your family members live in. You will also have to submit documents that prove your family ties.

• Your family in a third country can reach out to UNHCR to inquire about information on family reunification.
• UNHCR Somalia can provide proof of registration for family members who are or were registered refugees in Somalia
• UNHCR Somalia can bring cases of children or family members in need of additional protection to the attention of UNHCR staff in the field and ensure protection needs are met; and
• UNHCR Somalia can aid in contacting the appropriate staff in the field in case issues arise.