Family reunification brings together family members who live in different countries. Family reunification for refugees is a situation in which family members have been separated, and at least one family member has been recognized as a refugee, or holder of temporary or subsidiary protection status by the country in which they live. The refugee can then apply for his family to join him in that country.
Who manages family reunification programs?
Please note that family reunification programs and who qualify for these programs are determined and managed by the different countries.
Applications for access to these programs are not sent through UNHCR, but through the procedure determined by the country in which your family members live.
Can I apply for family reunification?
When a family member in a third country receives refugee status or temporary protection, they can apply for the reunification of eligible family members. If you are a family member and eligible, that person will have “sponsor” or “applicant” status relative to you.
Whether or not you are eligible for family reunification depends on the criteria set by the country in which your sponsor lives, including the type of residence status granted to you in your country of residence (asylum, temporary protection status or otherwise) and the nature of your family relationship with that person.
Most countries allow spouses, parents of young children, and dependent children to join their sponsor. In some countries, other dependent family members may also apply for this purpose.
Please note that depending on your sponsor’s country of residence, there may be certain time requirements and procedures.
Which countries have family reunification programs for refugees?
Family reunification mechanisms exist for refugees in most countries.
For more information about the specific criteria for each country, and how to apply, please visit the UNHCR Help website page and search for the “Family Reunification” section in the country of destination.
If you are looking for information about the family reunification program in a country not listed on UNHCR’s website directories, please search for “family reunification” on the government websites of the country of destination.
All services provided by UNHCR on Family reunification are free of charge.
To submit a complaint or feedback to UNHCR, you can call the toll-free FRRM Helpline 0800 32 32 32
