UNDERSTANDING THE VITAL ROLE OF FAMILY REUNIFICATION IN LEGAL MIGRATION POLICIES AND ITS REQUIREMENTS
Keywords:
Family reunification, family, Directive, legal migration, third-country nationalsAbstract
The family is seen as the basic unit of society and the strongest network of human relationships. Society and the state regard protecting the family as a fundamental right. Within this context, the right to family reunification is considered one of the key rights supporting the free movement of citizens. Over time, entry and residence for the purpose of family reunification have become the primary form of legal migration for third-country nationals. Beyond its quantitative significance, family reunification serves as an essential avenue for the successful integration of lawfully residing third-country nationals in Member StatesThe presence of family members plays a vital role in providing stability and deepening the roots of individuals, allowing them to lead normal family lives. This right is protected by both national and international laws. Within the European Union, family reunification recognizes both EU and non-EU citizens as key stakeholders. Specifically, Directive 2003/86/EC governs family reunification for non-EU citizens residing within EU territory. It defines family reunification as the entry and residence in a Member State by a family member of a third-country citizen lawfully residing in that state, with the goal of maintaining the family unit regardless of when the family relationship was established. Our study focuses on the requirements for exercising the right to family reunification. Article 7 of the Directive grants Member States the authority to impose two categories of requirements: evidence of the sponsor's accommodation, health insurance, and stable financial resources, and compliance with integration measures by third-country nationals. This study aims to analyze the protection of the right to family reunification at national, international, and EU levels, scrutinizing the practical challenges related to fulfilling the conditions for its effective realization. The methodology employed encompasses logical, legal, and institutional analyses, incorporating historical methods, legislative analysis, and qualitative approaches. The stance taken by the European Court of Justice on violations of this right holds particular significance
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