Family reunification
Family migration from non-EU countries forms
around one third of overall migration into the European Union. This portion is
even higher in some Central European countries (Czech Republic, Slovenia). Although
in other Central European countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Poland) the numbers of
family migrants are still relatively low, it is expected that family migration
will become generally more important in this region in the context of restrictive
measures towards labour migration. The policies of family reunification in Central
European countries are generally favourable which is attributed mostly to the
transposition of the EU standards and little national interest in the topic. Migrants
seeking family reunification can expect mainly discretionary procedures and
high costs. Some countries (e.g. Czech Republic) apply minimum age limit for
spouses and sponsors above the majority age. For more information about the
family reunification policies in the CE see the briefing
by Thomas Huddleston.
The family reunification is regulated on both the EU and national levels. The family migration of third country nationals is governed by the Family Reunification Directive, whereas the family reunion of EU citizens who reside in other EU country is regulated by the Directive 2004/38/EC. Apart from that there is the family migration of EU nationals who reside in their home country, which is mostly regulated by national legislation. Due to complex legal framework and ongoing European debate, the discussion of experts within this topic will limit itself to the family reunification of third-country nationals in Central European countries.
More specifically, the expert discussion within the topic Family reunification focuses on:- the importance of family reunification in the immigration systems
- the strategy behind the countries family reunification policy
- the strengths and weaknesses of the family reunification policy from the migrants point of view
Family reunification rules in the European Union and Hungary Family reunification Hungaryarticles
12. 2. 14
by Dr Ágnes Töttős
‘Family reunification is a necessary way of making family life possible. It helps to create sociocultural stability facilitating the integration (…) in the Member State, which also serves to promote economic and social cohesion, a fundamental Community objective stated in the Treaty.’ The provisions of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union touch... »
Finally together! The Right to Family Reunification in Slovenia Family reunification Sloveniasummary texts
16. 8. 13 | Aldo Milohnić
In the second part of the project Migration to the Centre we were concerned with the possibilities of migrants and refugees to consume the right to family reunification in Slovenia. Two experts on migration presented the most recent statistical data, analyzed the legislative framework, and described the experiences gained from their field work. These experts’ assessments were upgraded by persona... »
Family Reunification in the Czech Republic – Delays When Coming, Little Rights When Here Family reunification Czech Republicsummary texts
12. 8. 13 | Alexandra Dubová
The present article summarizes the debate about family reunification of foreign nationals in the Czech Republic initiated as part of the project Migration to the Centre. Its general conclusion is that the family reunion procedure is marked with delays and bureaucracy, while the state does little for foreign family members in terms of integration and social rights. »
Family reunification rules in the European Union and Hungary Family reunification Hungaryarticles
12. 2. 14
Finally together! The Right to Family Reunification in Slovenia Family reunification Sloveniasummary texts
16. 8. 13 | Aldo Milohnić
Family Reunification in the Czech Republic – Delays When Coming, Little Rights When Here Family reunification Czech Republicsummary texts
12. 8. 13 | Alexandra Dubová
Slovakia: Family Reunification Family reunification Slovakiasummary texts
12. 8. 13 | Zuzana Števulová
Public debate: The Right to Family Life vs. Immigration Control Family reunification Czech Republicpublic debates
26. 7. 13
Public debate: Migrations and the right to family reunification Family reunification Gender and MigrationSloveniapublic debates
27. 6. 13
Roundtable discussion: The system and practice of family reunification in Hungary and Europe Family reunification Hungarypublic debates
19. 6. 13
Social and Cultural Dimension of Family Reunification in Poland Family reunification Polandarticles
15. 6. 13 | Hanna Bojar
The migrant’s right to family life during proceedings on family reunification in the Czech Republic Family reunification Gender and Migration IntegrationCzech Republicarticles
14. 6. 13 | Michala Cilli
Re-unification with my spouse: Easier than I thought Family reunification Hungarymigrants outputs
14. 6. 13 | Hakeem Babalola
Education of Migrant Children – From Scratch to a Systemic Change? Family reunification Slovakiaarticles
14. 6. 13 | Peter Dráľ
