Family Reunification
Family reunification is entering a country with the intention of starting a family, or moving an entire family from one country to another with the aim of enabling families to live a family life.
UNHCR principles on family reunification:
- Wars, persecution and conflicts separate families
- Being together with one’s family is a fundamental human right
- Practical, legal and financial barriers keep families apart
- Family reunification practices should be more concrete and flexible
- A reunited family is a prerequisite for quality of life for people with a migration background
Family reunification has long been one of the main channels for legal migration of third-country nationals to the European Union. It helps to ensure both the right to family life under international and EU law and supports the integration of third-country nationals in the country of destination.
