Processing time sky-high for family reunification cases

Refugees having to wait over 14 months for applications to be decided

Immigrants and refugees in Denmark are being forced to wait considerable time to be reunited with their families, according to new figures from the immigration authority.

Just two years ago, the average processing time for a family reunification case was 147 days. That figure rose to 342 days last year, and so far in 2017 it has further increased to 437 days – triple the time it took in 2014.

According to the immigration service, Udlændingestyrelsen, the processing time for family reunification cases is supposed to take a maximum of ten months. The increase in processing time is down to the massive influx of refugees that Denmark saw in 2015.

READ MORE: Fees established for residence and family reunification applications

In right direction
The good news is that it’s at least moving in the right direction in terms of the number of cases overall. Udlændingestyrelsen told Berlingske newspaper that it is now ruling on more cases than there are cases being lodged.

At the start of 2016 there were about 12,000 applications. That’s been reduced to about 8,200, and it continues to fall every month.

But despite that sliver of light in the dark vastness of the family reunification maelstrom, something else should have been, and still needs to be done, according to Carsten Henrichsen, a professor of administrative justice at the University of Copenhagen.

“That’s a very dramatic rise in the case processing time, which calls for initiative from the political sphere, which is the minister [Inger Støjberg],” Henrichsen told Berlingske.




  • Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    Everything you need to know about Greenland’s upcoming elections 

    During an unprecedented time in the global spotlight, Greenland will hold a general election focusing on the struggle for independence, its economy, and its international relations.

  • Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish NGOs on thin ice: The Greenland dispute’s hidden risks for aid

    Danish humanitarian and development organizations rely significantly on funding from institutional donors. Among these, USAID and other U.S.-based donors, contribute a substantial portion of funding to Danish NGOs operating internationally.

  • Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair cancels all flights to and from Billund 

    Ryanair has increased its cuts from the Billund-Aalborg route to encompass its entire operation to and from Billund Airport. The airline’s scarce communication is leaving both the airport and passengers scrambling for answers.

  • What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    What do Danes do for “Vinterferie”?

    As tradition has it, many Danes take a week off for Vinterferie next week. Or the week after. It’s a bit confusing, especially since Christmas and New Year’s Holiday are not far away. What’s going on?

  • The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    The educational options for internationals in Denmark

    Denmark offers free public education, but private schools and universities for non-EU students require tuition. Language is a barrier, with international schools available for children and limited English-taught university programs. In 2024, Denmark expanded university seats for internationals and introduced an HF-international program in Aarhus.

  • Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF program for internationals

    Aarhus Gymnasium is launching Denmark’s first HF-international program in August, offering young adult internationals an alternative to IB programs with a focus on career-oriented education and Danish language learning. Unlike IB, it reduces academic pressure while providing access to vocational schools and professional bachelor’s degrees