Germany is currently debating its policy regarding family reunification for refugees with subsidiary protection. The coalition government, under Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), is considering suspending family reunification for this group for two years, sparking debate and concern among human rights advocates.
This potential suspension mirrors a similar measure from 2016 to 2018, which caused hardship for affected families. The current proposal aims to reduce perceived pull factors for migrants, with exceptions only in extreme hardship cases. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told the German parliament on Friday that citizens "expected a change of policy" on immigration and that included an end to family reunification in certain cases.
As of May 2025, Germany hosts approximately 351,400 individuals with subsidiary protection, mainly from Syria. The debate balances humanitarian concerns with managing migration flows and internal security. The decision will significantly impact refugees and their families seeking to rebuild their lives in Germany. The final decision is expected to be made by the cabinet on Wednesday.