Capstone: Family reunification and social policy in Ireland
The effectiveness of the family reunification policy in Ireland
Introduction
One of the key elements for successfully integrating refugees into society is family reunification (https://nascireland.org/campaigns/family-reunification). Refugee family reunification in Ireland is governed by the International Act 2015.
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The main objectives of the family reunification policy are to facilitate the integration of non-EU nationals in EU countries and promote economic and social cohesion, and social-cultural stability.
As the UNHCR (Family Protection Issues, 1999) states, “the family unit has a better chance of successfully integrating in a new country rather than individual refugees”. https://nascireland.org/campaigns/family-reunification .
Terminology Family reunification
For the purpose of this study, it is important to define the terminology of refugee and family reunification.
The term refugee refers to a person who has applied for asylum under the Geneva Convention 1951 (United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees). According to Article 1A(2) of the Geneva Convention, a refugee is someone who is unable or unwilling to seek protection in their home country due to fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political opinion https://www.ucc.ie/en/media/academic/appliedsocialstudies/2013_SusanMackey.pdf .
Under the Irish law (International Protection Act 2015), convention refugees, programme refugees and beneficiary or subsidiary protection applicants can request for family reunification (https://www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/family-reunification-of-international-protection-holders/) .
Those forced to evacuate their homes are usually separated from their family but once an asylum seeker obtains international protection status (granted refugee status) by the Minister for Justice and Equality, the priority is often to be reunited with their family. Family reunification is a process of regrouping family members who have been parted due to forced or voluntary migration into a country different to the country of origin (p. 1 Immigration and family law: reunification in Irish law).
In Ireland, family reunification is a fundamental right for applicants of international protection (p. 4 realizing family reunification UNHCR).
Due to its importance, family reunification is a key aspect of the integration procedure and is considered crucial for a migrant’s well-being (p. 1 Immigration and family law: reunification in Irish law).