Germany: Migrant families waiting years to be reunited
Waiting times for family reunification visas in Germany are getting longer, despite a pledge by the Scholz government to make the process fair and more efficient.
family reunification
Top EU court overrules German family reunification rule, backs migrant minors' rights
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has overturned a German rule on family reunification, thereby strengthening the rights of underage migrants. It ruled that the German practice of denying minors in Syria to reunite with their family in Germany violates EU law.
One year wait for Afghans seeking family reunification visas for Germany
Thousands of Afghans are still having to wait for an appointment to apply for a German visa to join their families, who have already left the country. The security situation as well as human rights in Afghanistan have worsened since the August 2021 takeover by the Taliban.
Calls for Ukrainian mother and child to be reunited
A military doctor and her young daughter were reportedly separated during the evacuation from Mariupol, Ukraine. On social media, Ukrainians have called for the release of the woman from alleged Russian custody, so she can be reunited with her child.
Family reunions in Germany in 2021 again fall short of maximum quota
In 2021, Germany once again granted far fewer family reunification visas for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection than would have been possible by legal means. The new German government coalition wants to abolish the limit for such visas and make it possible for people holding any kind of protection status to reunite with family members.
City of Berlin to accept 500 Afghan refugees
The city government of Berlin is planning to take in 500 refugees from Afghanistan over the next five years. People who are in particular need of protection will be prioritized under the initiative.
4,300 local staff on German government Afghanistan departure list
According to Germany's interior ministry, some 4,300 former Afghan local staff have told the German government they are at risk and wish to leave Afghanistan. A total of 2,054 local staff and their family members have been brought to Germany thus far.
Italy: New migrant help center in Palermo
A new service is set to open in the city of Palermo on the Italian island of Sicily. It aims to help migrants in applying for residence permits, entrance visas, citizenship, and family reunification.
Cyprus: Migrant families separated at sea
Syrian families separated during sea push-backs are desperate to be reunited. But Cypriot authorities say asylum seekers do not have such rights.
Fleeing Afghanistan: From Kabul to Ramstein in Germany — but what then?
Thousands of Afghan refugees have landed at the Ramstein US Air Base in Germany. The huge tent city is to be evacuated by the end of September. But where they end up is often a question of luck.
Thousands of Afghans in limbo awaiting family reunification visas
More than 4,000 Afghans who have a right to family reunification in Germany are stuck in Afghanistan. According to a media report, visa-processing sites in the region have only processed around 100 applications per month so far this year.
'My own wife left without any warning': clandestine departures from Tunisia
Illicit crossings between the Tunisian port of Zarzis and the Italian coast have increased sharply in 2021. Chamseddine Marzoug, an activist who has been involved for years with migrants' rights, faced an unprecedented situation. His own wife, accompanied by two of his grandchildren, decided to cross the sea to Europe -- without telling him.