German government restricts migrant family reunification, path to citizenship

May 28, 2025   

(Reuters) Germany’s government approved measures to restrict family reunification for migrants and delay citizenship access on Wednesday, forging ahead with a major shift in migration policy under conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The cabinet agreed to a two-year suspension of the right for migrants who do not qualify for full refugee status, so-called “subsidiary protection” holders, to bring their children and spouses to Germany.

Around 380,000 people, mainly Syrians, hold this status.

Subsidiary protection previously allowed 12,000 family members to join their relatives in Germany annually.

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