On June 27, 2025, the German Bundestag passed a law that became a cold shower for many migrants – the right to family reunification was suspended for two years for persons with “subsidiary protection” status. The main question that concerns hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians in Germany is: will this affect us?
We answer immediately: not right now. Ukrainians under temporary protection according to §24 do not fall under this law. But it’s too early to rejoice. This decision is an alarming signal of a fundamental shift in Germany’s migration policy, and its consequences could affect everyone.
Who Exactly Is Affected by the Ban?
It is important to understand the difference in statuses. The new law affects only those who have subsidiary protection. These are mainly refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and other war-torn countries who do not meet the criteria of the Geneva Convention.
For clarity, let’s compare the two statuses:
| Criterion | Temporary Protection (§24, Ukrainians) | Subsidiary Protection (Affected by the Law) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | EU Directive, pan-European decision | German national legislation |
| Family Reunification | Allowed (under current rules) | Suspended for 2 years |
| Guarantees | Status protected until March 2027 | Rights limited by the new law |
As you can see, legally, Ukrainians are in a more advantageous position today. But the political wind in Germany is changing, and this is the main news.
Analysis: Why Is This a Bad Sign for Ukrainians?
This law is not a technical detail, but a symptom. It shows three dangerous trends:
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Policy Has Become Harsher. The rise in popularity of the far-right AfD party has forced the ruling coalition to “tighten the screws.” The Interior Minister’s words that “the country’s integration capacity has reached its limit” represent the new official rhetoric. The era of unconditional “hospitality culture” has ended.
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A Dangerous Precedent Has Been Set. The government has shown that it is willing to restrict such a basic right as the right to family for the sake of migration control. Today it affected one group, tomorrow it could affect another.
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The Future After March 2027 Is Uncertain. Temporary protection for Ukrainians is not eternal. When it expires, Germany will most likely offer some new national status. And looking at today’s law, there are no guarantees that this future status will include the right to family reunification.
This step is part of a package with the abolition of “turbo-citizenship” in 3 years. It’s part of a larger strategy to make Germany less attractive to new migrants.
What Should Ukrainians Do Right Now?
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Don’t Panic, Act. Your rights under §24 are securely protected until spring 2027. Use this time to your maximum benefit.
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If You Planned Reunification – Don’t Wait. If you were planning to bring your spouse or minor children to Germany, start the process immediately. The “window of opportunity” is open, but no one knows how long it will last.
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The Best Insurance Is Integration. Learn German, find a job, pay taxes. The stronger you stand on your feet in Germany, the more arguments you will have for obtaining permanent status in the future, whatever the new laws may be.
Conclusion:
The law of June 27 is not directly about Ukrainians. It is about a new, colder, and more pragmatic Germany. And we need to be prepared for this new reality.