Between January 1 and April 23, 2025, the German government issued 177,382 decisions regarding national family reunification visas. Data revealed that only 13 percent of these decisions involved relatives of refugees or asylum seekers, while the majority concerned spouses of skilled workers and German citizens.
The 177,382 Visa Decisions Breakdown

| Category of Visa Decision | Number of Decisions |
|---|---|
| Total National Visa Decisions | 177,382 |
| Refugees, Asylum Seekers, or Protected Persons | 23,273 |
| Spouses of German Citizens | Approximately 27,000 |
| Spouses of Non-Refugee Foreigners (e.g., Skilled Workers) | 67,097 |
The Two-Year Suspension for Subsidiary Protection
Clara Bünger’s Critique of Alarmist Debates
The disconnect between the statistical reality of reunification and the intensity of the political debate has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers. Many observers argue that the focus on refugee reunification serves as a political lightning rod, often used to justify broader legislative tightening. Clara Bünger, an internal affairs expert for the Left Party, has been vocal about this perceived manipulation of public sentiment. She argues that the political focus on this issue is disproportionate to its actual impact on the total migration numbers.Family reunification for refugees makes up only a small proportion of family reunification in total.

