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| Germany has suspended family reunification for refugees with subsidiary protection for two years. The policy change limits reunification to hardship cases only, affecting around 380,000 people—primarily Syrians. Government officials argue it’s a necessary measure to ease pressure on housing, education, and integration systems. |
No more family reunification is possible now in Germany for foreigners on specific residence permit types. Yes, this is true. Germany’s parliament (Bundestag) has passed a new law that suspends family reunification for refugees with subsidiary protection status for the next two years.
As cited by the German news website Tagesschau.de, backed by a majority vote, this decision means thousands of people who had hoped to be reunited with close family members may now have to wait—unless they fall under exceptional hardship cases.
What Is Subsidiary Protection?
Subsidiary protection is granted to individuals who don’t qualify for full refugee status under the Geneva Convention but still face serious threats in their home countries, such as war or torture.
During the civil war in Syria, thousands of people fled the country, and for many years, Syrians made up the largest group seeking refuge in Germany. In response to the so-called “refugee crisis” of 2015–2016, German authorities increasingly resorted to granting many of these individuals a lower form of protection known as “subsidiary protection.”
A significant consequence of this limited status is its impact on family reunification. Under a recent change in the law, people granted subsidiary protection are no longer allowed to bring their immediate family members to Germany. Furthermore, in Germany, about 380,000 people currently fall under this category—most of them fleeing from war-torn Syria.
What’s Changing?
Previously, up to 1,000 family members of people with subsidiary protection were allowed to join them in Germany each month. That quota will now be suspended entirely for two years. The only exceptions will be for hardship cases, such as unaccompanied minors or urgent medical conditions.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who introduced the bill, emphasized the need to “limit immigration” and protect Germany’s social infrastructure. “This law will reduce migration by 12,000 people per year and disrupt criminal human trafficking networks,” Dobrindt stated during the parliamentary debate.
Why Now?
The government argues that Germany’s education system, social services, and housing market are under immense strain. “Immigration must have limits, and this law reflects that reality,” Dobrindt added.
While members of the ruling coalition, including the SPD, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, they ultimately supported the bill to maintain coalition unity and because it preserves room for humanitarian exceptions.
This policy shift is estimated to affect around 400,000 individuals who previously had the right to reunite with their families.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics argue the suspension will deepen the emotional toll on refugee families already struggling with trauma. Many civil society organizations warn that the measure risks violating the right to family life and could hinder long-term integration efforts.
Still, proponents believe the two-year pause will give Germany time to recalibrate and strengthen its capacity to support those already in the country.