The Government is preparing legislation that would impose a three-year ban on family reunification for people granted refugee status, followed by a requirement they demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Currently, an adult refugee has a 12-month window in which to submit a family reunification application, limited to a spouse and minor children. Some years ago, a young Syrian man came to our office seeking help to apply for family reunification. That moment played out in one office, but it reflects a reality faced by many refugee families waiting to be reunited. If the aim of this proposal is a reduction in overall migration numbers, it is difficult to see why refugee families are the chosen target.

Source: Irish Examiner February 11, 2026 04:01 UTC