Family Reunion

When individuals flee persecution they are often forced to leave family behind. During flight families can often become separated also. UNHCR supports the need to reunite refugees and their families.

In Ireland, family reunion is governed by Section 18 and other provisions of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended). A refugee can apply for family reunion under the Act to the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform. If granted, visas for his/her wife/husband and children under 18 years old and dependents can be obtained.

Various international human rights instruments state the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and entitled to the protection by society and the State. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states this in Article 16.

Refugees may not have the means to support the cost of flights for their families. In recent years UNHCR has provided some assistance to refugees following a financial assessment, a scheme that is operated in partnership with the Irish Red Cross in Dublin. However, UNHCR has a limited fund for this activity and can only assist refugees with no other financial possibilities.

Reuniting families can run into delays. First, there must be a decision taken by the Minister's Department on the application a refugee makes for family reunion. Issues can often arise which require clarifications on exact family relation two people may have to each other and may require DNA testing in some cases. There can be child protection concerns and additional checks to ensure no trafficking is taking place.

A refugee's family may be without passports, unable to acquire them for fear of persecution, or they may simply be expired. In addition, some family members may require assistance to travel, such as very young children or elderly family members. UNHCR partners with IOM to organise the departure and travel of the refugee's family in cases where assistance is needed.

The process of family reunion can be very frustrating and worrying for the refugee waiting to see his family.

Even before a family arrives, a refugee needs also to think about new accommodation , schools and other financial and practical issues. The challenge these present can be exacerbated by a lack of familiarity a refugee may have with how things work in Ireland. Many support groups and friends of refugees do tireless work to assist. Family unity is an essential ingredient in a refugee's integration prospects.