Recognising transnational families: Towards more accessible family reunification policies

In recent years, family reunification has become one of the most contentious areas of immigration policy debate in Europe. As one of the main channels of legal migration to the European Union, it is now tied up with widespread concerns about migrant integration, pressure on housing, strained welfare systems and security. In this context, there has been a trend towards more restrictive family reunification policies across EU Member States, placing greater emphasis on migration control and deterrence than on protecting the right to family life and family unity . However, the right to live a family live is a core humanitarian concern and most societies have highlighted this many treaties and laws on national European and international level. In addition, academic research has highlighted the extensive benefits of family reunification for both transnational families and receiving societies. Outlining why timely and facilitated family reunification is important not only for applicants but also for the receiving society providing an overview of the main barriers that keep families apart and the challenges they face after reunification, the policy brief sets out recommendations to implement a more inclusive and flexible approach to family reunification and provide better support for reunited families.