Date of publication:
08/21/2025
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies provide for family reunification for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration generally uphold the right to family reunification for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugee-returnees, and other affected populations. While the legal instruments governing these processes may differ across jurisdictions, domestic laws and policies broadly reflect a commitment to preserving family unity as a core principle of protection and reintegration. In particular, the National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (NPRRI), adopted by the Somali government, provides a rights-based framework aimed at ensuring durable solutions for displaced Somali citizens. Among its key provisions are measures that promote family cohesion and support efforts to reunify families separated by conflict, displacement, or migration.
Complementing national efforts, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) plays a vital role in facilitating family reunification. Through its presence in Somalia and Somaliland, UNHCR offers counseling, legal guidance, and technical support to individuals seeking to reunite with family members, both within the country and abroad. These services include assistance with application procedures, coordination with host governments, and navigation of administrative requirements. Together, the collaborative efforts of national authorities, humanitarian actors, and international organizations help advance family reunification as a central pillar of protection and resilience for displaced populations.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and internally Displaced Persons
- Year: 2019
- Type: Domestic policy
- 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
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/policy/strategy/natlegbod/2019/en/122553
Legal provision
Section 3.3 - Durable solutions: conditions and support measures
6. Promote and facilitate voluntary reunification of separated families.
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 26.1 - Family Reunification
A recognized refugee may apply to the Authority for permission for a member of his or her family to enter and reside in the Republic of Somaliland for purposes of reunion.
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.
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.
Article 2 - Interpretation
“Member of family of a refugee” means: – a) Any spouse or spouses of the refugee, b) Any dependent child, brother, sister, grandparent, parent, grandchild or ward living in the same household as the refugee, c) Any person with disabilities in the care of the refugee whether or not he has attained the age of 15-year
Article 13.1 - Grant of permission
With the approval of the Minister, the Refugee Affairs Department may grant permission to the Dependents of the Refugee upon application to enter and reside within Puntland and such Dependents shall be entitled to the rights and privileges accorded to the Refugee for the period of the Refugee’s stay within Puntland.