Germany Proposes Two-Year Halt on Refugee Family Reunification
Germany’s Coalition Government Proposes Two-Year Suspension of Family Reunification for Subsidiary Protection Refugees
Germany's newly formed coalition government, led by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD), is proposing a two-year suspension of family reunification rights for refugees granted subsidiary protection.
The proposal has sparked concern and frustration among affected refugees, including Mohammed, a Syrian national currently residing in Germany.
“Before I came to Germany, I didn’t know it would be so difficult,” Mohammed shared. “I simply didn’t know. You know, we’re men, and we men aren’t used to raising children.”
He expressed the emotional and practical challenges of raising children alone while facing long and uncertain reunification procedures.
Government Justifies Proposal With Integration Limits
Earlier this month, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the need for a policy shift on migration, stating that many municipalities and cities are under strain.
“A country’s capacity for integration simply has its limits, and that’s why we must act,” Dobrindt stated. “Cities and municipalities across the country are reaching their limits.”
The suspension of family reunification is being positioned as a necessary measure to ease the pressure on local infrastructure and services.
Stricter Asylum Policies Introduced in May 2025
Starting May 6, 2025, German authorities implemented stricter asylum measures, including reinforced border controls and a cap on asylum applications. The new government aims to ensure that asylum seekers apply for protection in the first EU country they enter — a principle outlined in EU law.
Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz reinforced this stance:
“No one can apply for asylum in the country of their choice. According to European law, this must happen where someone enters the European Union for the first time. That is almost never Germany.”
Border Controls Extended Through 2025
Border controls, originally reintroduced in September 2024 to manage irregular migration, will remain in place until at least September 15, 2025. This policy was announced under the previous Chancellor Olaf Scholz and is being upheld by the incoming administration.
Despite the German government viewing these controls as effective, they have drawn criticism from several neighboring EU countries concerned about freedom of movement within the Schengen Area.
Conclusion
Germany’s evolving migration and asylum policies reflect growing domestic pressure to control immigration numbers and ease the burden on local systems. However, for refugees like Mohammed, these measures are deeply personal, impacting their hopes of family reunification and long-term integration in Germany.
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