The Dutch family reunification policy has unfortunate consequences for some Syrian families that have fled to the Netherlands. According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, around thirty families that have fled Syria have had to leave behind a child in Syria or Lebanon. These children could not come along because the Dutch family reunification policy allows automatic access only to minors. Adult children can come to the Netherlands on their own and apply for asylum themselves. However, this can only occur in an illegal way, as it would mean these young adults come to the Netherlands taking a dangerous itinerary, often with the help of human traffickers, the Dutch Broadcast Foundation reports.

The Syrian family of Zaki Homs had to leave their eldest daughter, Joyce (aged 19), behind in Beirut. Last year Mr. Homs fled from Lebanon to the Netherlands. Once there, he could arrange the reunification with his wife and minor children only. It is not safe for Syrians in Lebanon and the family hopes that their left-behind daughter will be able to come the Netherlands soon.

According to René Bruin, director of the Dutch branch of the UNHCR, the Dutch policy is risky and unjust. He calls for broadening the rules. ‘‘The family reunification policy is good, but in this regard it could be a little better.’’ The Ministry of Justice has responded by saying that ‘‘refugees of every age, thus including those aged 18 and older, can always apply for asylum on their own behalf. In addition, they can be reunited with their family that is already in the Netherlands in case of more than normal emotional ties. This is possible, for instance when an adult child cannot take care for itself because of a health condition.

Questions to state secretary

Member of the House of Representatives Attje Kuiken (Labour Party) has asked parliamentary questions to State Secretary of Security and Justice Fred Teeven. Ms. Kuiken would like to know from Mr. Teeven ‘"which possibilities are offered by the current policy to children who were forced to stay behind, to still be able to join their family, for example on account of disproportionate callousness? What constitutes particular dependency? In what way is the criterion of 'more than normal emotional ties' being interpreted in the decision-making practice? When do these ties apply and when do they not apply?’" Moreover, Ms. Kuiken wants to know "how many adult children have not been able to join the rest of their family due to this severe criterion?’"