Significant decrease in family reunification visas in Germany
The German Foreign Ministry announced that the number of family reunification visas for wives and husbands to Germany has decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year, with approximately 72,500 visas issued, compared to about 77,200 in 2023.
This decline is primarily attributed to the difficulty of passing the required German language test at the A1 level, which is a key requirement for most visa applicants. Those holding university degrees and family members of individuals recognized as refugees under the Geneva Convention are exempt from this requirement, provided that the application is submitted within the first three months after the refugee's recognition and that the marital relationship existed before entering Germany.
There are also exceptions in cases of illness or difficult humanitarian situations. Data from the German government showed that only 62% of applicants for the German language test for family reunification succeeded in passing it in 2024, while the success rate was 65% in 2023.
For her part, leftist politician Clara Beunger described these conditions as contrary to European laws, pointing out that these rules do not apply to family reunification cases with professional qualifications. She stated that speaking German at level A1 only allows for communication in simple phrases, yet it is used as an administrative barrier.
In another context, the new coalition government consisting of "Union" and "SPD" is tightening asylum and immigration laws. Currently, the entry of some individuals at the borders is being denied, and the government plans to suspend family reunification for families of those with secondary protection – the majority of whom are Syrians – for two years. The authorities also intend to start deporting criminals to Syria and Afghanistan, despite the government's assurance that the constitutional right to asylum will not be affected.