{"id":4109,"date":"2023-02-24T11:53:38","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T11:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/?page_id=4109"},"modified":"2025-08-12T16:16:35","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T16:16:35","slug":"8-family-reunification","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/8-family-reunification\/","title":{"rendered":"6. Family reunification"},"content":{"rendered":"

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6. Family reunification<\/h1>\n

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\u00a9 UNHCR\/Laura Padoan<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F4F4F4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text module_class=”pullintro” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The legal, rights-based and State-provided avenues that allow refugees to access their right to family life regulated by national, regional and international law. Family reunification procedures include individuals with close and extended family relations based on the concept of dependency which ensures that family members\u2014who may not be close family members but are nevertheless dependants\u2014are able to enjoy the right to family life and family unity.<\/p>\n

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Overview<\/h2>\n

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<\/span>Family unity is a fundamental human right. Respect for the right to family unity and family life requires States to refrain from actions resulting in family separation and to ensure the reunification of separated families in the least possible delay<\/strong>.\u00a0When seeking to reunite, refugee families are subjected to migration system requirements, such as requests for passports, documentary evidence of relationships, in-person interviews in foreign States, which do not take into consideration their international protection needs.<\/span> As a result many refugees remain separated from their family members and may go for years without seeing their loved ones or never be reunited again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Why UNHCR prioritizes family reunification<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”26px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”It is the most relied upon third-country solution” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#FAEB00″ body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” body_link_font=”||||on||||” body_link_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

From 2010 to 2022, over 1.3 million entry permits<\/a> were granted in OECD countries and Brazil to seven nationalities with high asylum recognition rates for family purposes.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”It realizes the right to family unity” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#FAEB00″ body_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

As the fundamental unit of society, family is entitled to protection by States.<\/p>\n

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Prolonged separation can affect mental health and weaken family bonds. Reuniting families supports refugee self-reliance and integration.<\/p>\n

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Access to family reunification procedures can save lives, and help prevent refugees from embarking on unsafe journeys.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F4F4F4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

UNHCR’s engagement in family reunification<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Family reunification is first and foremost a responsibility of States. <\/strong><\/span>UNHCR supports States to meet their obligations under international law and galvanise the principle of family unity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Five pillars of UNHCR engagement<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Gathering evidence” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Advocacy for systems change” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Policy and knowledge building” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”p||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Working with and coordinating partner networks” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Exceptionally, direct case support” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/policy\/opguidance\/unhcr\/2024\/en\/148271″ url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn more” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Global Family Reunification Network (FRUN)<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The Global Family Reunification Network (FRUN) is the first global platform devoted to family reunification for refugees and other beneficiaries of international protection. Launched in December 2020, the FRUN draws together key stakeholders, experts and academics in the realm of family reunification with the collective purpose of promoting and facilitating greater access to family reunification procedures. The FRUN provides States and other relevant stakeholders with a common space for advocacy, sharing good practices and exchanging ideas, promoting State-to-State engagement, capacity building and resourcing of relevant operational actors, testing pilot programmes and information sharing. UNHCR is a founding member of the FRUN and served as the Secretariat until the end of 2023.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/familyreunificationnetwork.org\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn more” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/globalcompactrefugees.org\/pledges-contributions\/multi-stakeholder-pledges-2023\/multi-stakeholder-pledge-supporting-refugee” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”2023 GRF Multistakeholder pledge” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Resources<\/h2>\n

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General resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6,1_6″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”UNHCR webpage on family reunification” url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/what-we-do\/build-better-futures\/long-term-solutions\/complementary-pathways\/family-reunification” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”57px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/what-we-do\/build-better-futures\/long-term-solutions\/complementary-pathways\/family-reunification” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”UNHCR Guidelines on international legal standards relating to family reunification for refugees and other beneficiaries of international protection
\n” url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/policy\/legalguidance\/unhcr\/2024\/en\/149243″ url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ image_icon_width=”57px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/policy\/legalguidance\/unhcr\/2024\/en\/149243″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”ExCom Conclusion No. 117: Durable Solutions and Complementary Pathways” url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/policy\/exconc\/excom\/2024\/en\/148870″ url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#0072BC” image_icon_width=”60px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/policy\/exconc\/excom\/2024\/en\/148870″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”UNHCR’s Families Together” url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/familiestogether\/” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#0072BC” image_icon_width=”60px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”UNHCR\u2019s recommendations on flexible approaches to family reunification in Europe ” url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/pdfid\/63f75b3f4.pdf” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#0072BC” image_icon_width=”60px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_6″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”2023 GRF pledging framework on family reunification” url=”https:\/\/globalcompactrefugees.org\/pledging-complementary-pathways” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#0072BC” image_icon_width=”60px” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/globalcompactrefugees.org\/pledging-complementary-pathways” link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Data on family reunification<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”OECD-UNHCR Safe Pathways V” url=”https:\/\/globalcompactrefugees.org\/about-gcr\/resources\/reports\/oecd-unhcr-safe-pathways-refugees-iv” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#0072BC” image_icon_width=”60px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Resources for refugees<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”help.unhcr.org (country-specific information)” url=”https:\/\/help.unhcr.org\/” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#0072BC” image_icon_width=”60px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Frequently-asked questions on family reunification” url=”https:\/\/help.unhcr.org\/global\/family-reunification\/” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#0072BC” image_icon_width=”60px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” link_option_url=”https:\/\/help.unhcr.org\/global\/family-reunification\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”4px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Previous<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Next<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wYWdlIiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjQ0NjciLCJlbmFibGVfaHRtbCI6Im9mZiJ9fQ==@” button_text=”9. Qualifications-based pathways (education and employment)” button_alignment=”right” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”button_url” _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

6. Family reunification\u00a9 UNHCR\/Laura PadoanThe legal, rights-based and State-provided avenues that allow refugees to access their right to family life regulated by national, regional and international law. Family reunification procedures include individuals with close and extended family relations based on the concept of dependency which ensures that family members\u2014who may not be close family members […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":5027,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

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The legal, rights-based and State-provided avenues that allow refugees to access their right to family unity regulated by national, regional and international law.\u202f Family reunification procedures include individuals with nuclear and extended family relations in line with the principle of dependency which ensures that family members - who may not be close family members but are nevertheless dependants - are able to enjoy the right to family life and family unity.\u202f<\/em>\u202f <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Tcm1jk7G28E&t=28s\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As with all other types of complementary pathways, family reunification procedures rely on strong and robust networks of partners offering different types of services. The role of UNHCR in host and receiving countries is to build, coordinate and function as part of this overall system of support for refugees. From the onset of emergencies, family reunification is an essential pathway (and the most widely utilised one) to solutions in third countries. Every UNHCR operation can directly support the reunification of refugee families - through nurturing partnerships, sharing information, and advocating from individual to systemic levels.   <\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reunification of refugee families is first and foremost the responsibility of States, and part of UNHCR\u2019s job is to support States to meet their obligations under international law and galvanise the principle of family unity. While States are the central figure in family reunification procedures, refugees navigating these systems need the support of multiple actors in both host and receiving countries.  For extensive guidance on UNHCR\u2019s roles in refugee family reunification, colleagues should refer to the Operational Guidelines on UNHCR\u2019s Role in Facilitating Family Reunification for Persons in Need of International Protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For advocacy messaging, colleagues can also refer to <\/em>UNHCR\u2019s recommendations on flexible approaches to family reunification in Europe<\/a> and UNHCR's Families Together.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Country-level information on family reunification procedures can be found at help.unhcr.org<\/a><\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4109","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n6. Family reunification - UNHCR Operational Guidance on Complementary Pathways for Admission<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/8-family-reunification\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"6. Family reunification - UNHCR Operational Guidance on Complementary Pathways for Admission\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"6. 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