European Network of Migrant Women: Family Reunion Legislation in Europe

Several of the more restrictive states managed to modify articles which would allow them to maintain and introduce demanding conditionalities, especially around integration measures (see MIPEX 3 results).  On the other hand, formal restrictions on entry to the labour market have been eased and separation and divorce recognised as a reason to grant an autonomous permit. The latest MIPEX 3 findings concluded that:Countries with restrictive definitions of the family tend to also impose burdensome conditions on the sponsor. Those with inclusive definitions often limit conditions out of respect for family life. Applicants must prove a ‘stable and sufficient’ income, often vague and higher than what nationals need to live on social assistance. An increasing number of  countries impose language or integration conditions,  extending these to spouses before arrival (see INTEC and PROSINT projects). Families tend to acquire both a secure residence permit and equal rights, but in order to obtain an autonomous residence permit, they face significant waiting periods and conditions.Overall, MIPEX concluded that procedures in the EU have become more favourable in five, but less  so in eleven countries. Countries (recently Greece, Luxemburg, Spain) now provide basic rights and residence security, often to comply with EU law...
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