The new AIDA comparative report entitled "Not there yet: Family Reunification for Beneficiaries of International Protection" identifies a number of challenges across all stages of the procedure. It raises key questions as to the scope of family reunification; and sheds light on the obstacles posed by substantive and procedural requirements, as well as by insufficient procedural safeguards. The report also covers the continued difficulties families may face after arrival in the state of asylum, difficulties that can lead to renewed separation. Lastly, it provides a comparison with family reunification of asylum applicants under the Dublin Regulation, where difficulties also arise due to variable implementation of the family criteria.

The report also identifies multiple positive practices at the national level, which can serve as a model for others and for future legislative reform. Many countries go beyond the minimum imposed by EU law in a number of areas, thus ensuring better respect for the rights of beneficiaries of international protection and their families.

The report recommends inter alia to:

• Broaden the scope of family reunification
• Apply more favourable conditions to all beneficiaries of protection without time limits
• Ensure adequate support to sponsors and their families throughout the procedure
• Provide families with rights identical and independent to those of sponsors
• Establish effective alternative pathways to family unity

For further information, please read the ECRE news and the full report.