Interview with Felix Banaszak during summertime, addressed topics related to family reunions and fact-checking.
Family Reunification for Refugees: A Contested Issue in Germany
Family reunification for asylum seekers and recognized refugees remains a possibility in Germany, albeit with limitations. The issue has been a point of contention for years, with limits and suspensions implemented on several occasions.
As of December 31, 2024, there were around 381,000 people with subsidiary protection living in Germany. Among them, nearly two-thirds are male, according to data provided by the Federal Statistical Office and the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.
The Bundestag's decision on family reunification for those granted subsidiary protection allows for family members to come to Germany only in hardship cases. However, the details of these hardship cases are not further explained in the amendment to the law.
In 2024, around 12,000 visas for family reunification were issued to those under subsidiary protection. Of these, approximately 55 percent were issued to spouses or partners, and around 33 percent were issued to children. The exact number of women among those spouses is not statistically recorded.
In an interview on August 3rd, Felix Banaszak, federal chairman of the Greens, criticized the current migration policy of the CDU and SPD for suspending family reunification for subsidiary protection cases. Banaszak claimed that 80% of family reunification for subsidiary protection cases are women and children. However, this claim lacks statistical evidence and is not confirmed by official visa data.
The Federal Foreign Office records visa for family reunification statistically, regardless of the person's status in Germany, and does not differentiate based on the reason why people are allowed to come to Germany. Media reports suggest that the hardship cases could include situations where family members need urgent medical care that cannot be provided in their home country.
The majority of CDU/CSU, SPD, and AfD voted in favor of the family reunification suspension. This decision has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it goes against humanitarian principles and separates families unnecessarily.
Despite the controversy, it is clear that family reunification plays a significant role in bringing women and children to Germany. Given the gender distribution among the Syrian people who receive subsidiary protection in Germany, it's likely that a large portion of the spouse visas were issued to women. However, the exact number of women among those spouses is not statistically recorded.
In conclusion, while the details of family reunification for subsidiary protection cases in Germany are complex, it is evident that the issue is of great importance, particularly for women and children seeking refuge. The lack of clear, reliable data on the gender distribution among those granted family reunification visas makes it difficult to accurately assess the situation, but it is clear that the issue remains contentious and requires further discussion and careful consideration.
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