Date of publication:
01/08/2026
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies provide for derivative refugee status for accompanying family members of recognized refugees?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland generally support the principle of family unity through their domestic laws and policies, particularly in relation to recognized refugees. These frameworks allow for family reunification by enabling immediate family members—such as spouses, minor children, and, in some cases, parents of minors—to join the principal refugee either within Somalia or Somaliland. This approach is in line with international standards, including those promoted by the UNHCR, which emphasize the importance of preserving family units during and after displacement. By facilitating family reunification, the Somali authorities reinforce the social fabric of displaced communities and contribute to more durable solutions for refugees and returnees. The recognition of family reunification as a legal right or humanitarian priority reflects both Shari’a principles and customary values that place strong emphasis on family cohesion, mutual responsibility, and the care of dependents
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Puntland Refugee Protection Law
- Year: 2016
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Article 13.2 - Grant of permission
Where the applicant is recognized as a refugee, the members of his family who accompany or subsequently join him shall be recognized as refugees.
Somaliland Refugee Protection Law
- Year: 2023
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Article 25.1 - Family of a Recognized Refugee
Every person who is under the age of 15 and is a member of the family of a recognized refugee or asylum seeker and applied to be reunited with his family shall enjoy the same protection as that recognized refugee and shall; a) be permitted to enter and remain in the Republic of Somaliland for as long as the recognized refugee is permitted to remain; and b) be issued with all necessary documents and identification related to his refugee status in accordance with this Act,
Article 26.4 - Family Reunification
4) The Republic of Somaliland may grant permission of refugee status under this Article to: - a) Anyone in the family who is under the age 15. b) Any dependant of a member of the family of a recognised refugee and will be is given the opportunity to go through the registration process.
Article 26.5 - Family Reunification
Regulations made under this Act by the authority will prescribe the procedures for applying for family reunification.
Article 26.3 - Family Reunification
The application for permission of a family Reunification shall specifying the number of family members, their names and the family relationship between the refugee and the persons to whom the application relates
Puntland IDP Guidelines
- Year: 2011
- Type: Domestic policy
- Rights Category: Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Provision 10 - Family life
The Puntland Government recognizes and reaffirms the right to respect the family life of IDPs in accordance with the Constitution, international human rights and humanitarian law standards and shall protect family unity, including promoting and supporting family tracing and reunification, in particular in relation to separated children.