Germany passes law suspending refugee family reunifications for two years

German lawmakers have approved a controversial bill to suspend family reunification for refugees holding subsidiary protection status for two years.

The decision, passed in the Bundestag today with 444 votes in favor and 135 against, aligns with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s broader strategy to tighten immigration controls.

Subsidiary protection is granted to individuals who face serious threats such as torture or execution in their home countries but do not qualify for full asylum, according to dw.com

Until now, family reunifications for this group were limited to 1,000 people per month. As of March 31, 2025, approximately 389,000 individuals in Germany held this status.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt defended the measure, emphasizing that “Germany remains an open country, but the capacity of our social systems, education sector, and housing market has limits. Immigration must also have limits.” The bill also received backing from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The move sparked protests, including a demonstration outside the Bundestag where around 200 people gathered. Syrian dentist Wafaa Mohammed, one of the demonstrators, said, “Our children are our whole life,” expressing the emotional toll of separating families.

Germany had previously suspended family reunification in 2016 during the peak of the refugee crisis. The issue remains a flashpoint in national politics, particularly as recent crimes involving foreign nationals have fueled support for stricter migration policies.

At the same time, the country is grappling with a labor shortage. Recent data shows that a significant portion of Germany’s workforce remains untapped. Factors such as childcare shortages — especially for women — and health concerns — mostly affecting men — are cited as barriers to employment.

Business leaders have raised concerns over the paradox of tightening immigration while industries struggle to fill job vacancies.