Observations from UNHCR on Finnish law proposal on restricting rules for family reunification
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has submitted our observations to the proposed amendments of the Finnish Aliens Act regarding the rules for family reunification.
The aim of the proposal is to make the rules for family reunification stricter. The amendment would extend the requirement that the applicant has sufficient resources to maintain himself/herself and the family members to also include refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary or temporary protection.
UNHCR recommends the Government of Finland to exempt refugees and other beneficiaries of international protection from the income requirement and to ensure that they receive appropriate and timely information on family reunification.
The observations are available here.
Page 1 of 2
-
UNHCR observations on Swedish law proposal to restrict the right to family reunification
31.03.2023UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries has submitted observations to Sweden’s proposed amendments to the Aliens Act. The proposal presents several restrictions on the possibility to obtain a residence permit in Sweden, for example through restricting the right to family reunification. UNHCR is concerned that the right to […]
-
Art exhibition with children’s drawings show universal importance of family in Helsinki
02.06.2022What does family mean to you? UNHCR asked refugee children in countries such as Libya, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Ethiopia to draw their answers. The results will be on display at Redi Shopping Center in Helsinki in June.
-
UNHCR and Finnish Refugee Council call on Finland to adopt improvements aimed at strengthening human rights in family reunification
15.11.2021UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the Finnish Refugee Council consider the Finnish government’s draft proposal to facilitate family reunification to be a timely and vital improvement – and we appeal to the Finnish Parliament to adopt the proposal. No one chooses to be a refugee. However, more than 82 […]
-
UNHCR calls on states to expedite family reunification procedures for Afghan refugees
15.10.2021UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is urging states to facilitate and expedite family reunification procedures for Afghans whose families are left behind in Afghanistan or who have been displaced across the region. While recent political developments in Afghanistan have not led to large-scale cross-border displacement, many among pre-existing Afghan refugee […]
-
UNHCR Law observations on Finland’s proposal on amendments regarding family reunification
29.09.2021UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries has submitted its observations to the Finnish government on the proposed legislative amendments to the Finnish Aliens Act pertaining to family reunification. UNHCR supports the law proposal and changes introduced therein on lifting income requirements for beneficiaries of international protection and strengthening […]
-
New study points to challenges in accessing family reunification in Finland
26.03.2021Today, a UNHCR-commissioned study analyzing the legal, practical and financial obstacles to family reunification for refugees in Finland is launched. UNHCR reiterates its recommendations to the country in this area.
-
Abducted mum finally finds safety in Finland, but yearns to see children again
22.01.2020“I can’t remember when life was last as good as this,” says Nakout. After years of abuse, she now dreams of reuniting with children who she thought she was dead.
-
Families must be granted protection together
03.12.2019Norway, Denmark and Sweden have in recent years tightened the rules and practices for family reunification. This means that families do not get protection together. Press release from NOAS.
-
UNHCR welcomes Sweden’s decision to re-introduce access to family reunion
18.06.2019UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, warmly welcomes the decision by the Swedish Parliament to re-introduce the right to family reunion for persons granted subsidiary protection. However, it also regrets Sweden’s decision to extend the temporary law.
-
UNHCR observations on Norwegian law proposal on attachment requirement in family reunification cases
05.04.2017UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has submitted our observations on the proposed amendments to the Norwegian Immigration Act and Regulations. The proposed amendment would make it possible for the Norwegian immigration authorities to refuse family reunification applications submitted by persons who have been granted international protection in Norway, if it […]