Family Relations, Marriage and Children

Newly arrived migrants face various legal and administrative matters when seeking to unify with their family members, access host societies’ health systems or integrate their children into schools and kindergartens. To support practitioners with evidence and the latest development concerning family and marriage migration policies, we have reviewed both academic and policy-oriented research since 2011.

Learn about the common policy approaches supporting and limiting migrant families’ integration and effective measures that you can employ in practice by checking out the Results of our study!

Key outputs:

Brief for Family Relations:

A snapshot of research findings on the most pressing issues migrants face regarding their family lives, parenting and children and policy practices addressing those.

Here you can find evidence-based, effective recommendations that governments or NGOs can apply. To dive into the details, see the full Report summarising Evidence in the area of family, marriage and children’s integration for the past decade.

Featured studies:

Lowering Welfare Benefits: Intended and Unintended Consequences for Migrants and their Families

By focusing on the developments of the Danish welfare reforms targeting arrived migrants, this paper shows that lower benefits can have a negative imapct and result in women withdrawing from the labour market. Also such governmental measures have a negative impact on children’s attendance in preschools and care facilities as well as youth crime rates; it means they had an opposite effect from what it was initially intended: facilitating employment and self-sufficiency...

Best practices: intercultural integration of Arabic refugees in Berlin

Informational media are more effective if disseminated in the beneficiaries’ mother tongues. This paper presents the work of a Berlin-based NGO (ANE) employing such approach. Reaching migrant and refugee families is central to their program, including a Parents Newsletter published in 15 languages. The motto “with parent – for parents” is a key element of the activities, as they consider parents to be “experts” when it comes to their children...

Experiences of Life and Intersectionality of Transgender Refugees Living in Italy: A Qualitative Approach

This article stresses the importance of intersectionality for understanding minority groups’ needs. Research among the LGBTIQ+ population in Italy shows that for transgender refugees, it is even more challenging to find employment, housing or medical care having to cope with gender-expression based discrimination and hostility. Also, most of the support came from grassroots organisations, which limited the success of the integration process...

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Find selected research on Family Relations on The Migration Research Hub

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Find academic experts on the Migration Research Hub

Where is the evidence?

Here you can see how much evidence on Family Relations is available in each country (from the Migration Research Hub).

SPRING Community

Want to connect and learn from organizations with expertise on Family Relations? Check out the SPRING Community members below. Want to join? You are in good company. 
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TitleTypeWebsiteCountriesCityGovernance levelsTypes of the organizationAreas of integrationMain target groups - legal status or admission channelMain target groups – social characteristicscountry_hfiltergovernance_level_hfiltermain_target_group_legal_status_hfiltermain_target_group_social_chr_hfiltertype_of_the_organization_hfilter
MMONIKA – Multicultural Women’s Association, FinlandOrganisationmonikanaiset.fiHelsinki, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , finlandnational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants refugees resettled-refugeesstudents womenngo-non-profit-organisation
Academic Council on the United Nations SystemOrganisationacuns.org/Ulm, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , germanymulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorselderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Terre des hommesOrganisationwww.tdh.ch/frBudapest, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , hungarymulti-country national-nuts-0 regional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren general-population-non-migrants racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Brown UniversityOrganisationbrown.eduProvidence, RI, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , usamulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorsgeneral-population-non-migrantsknowledge-producer
The RWII–Refugee Wellbeing & Integration Initiative (research)Organisationwww.rwii.nlUtrecht, , , , , , , , , , , , , , netherlandsnational-nuts-0asylum-seekers refugeesngo-non-profit-organisation
Amsterdam University CollegeOrganisationwww.auc.nl/Naarden, , netherlandsurban-small-medium-oecd-definition-nuts-3students youthknowledge-producer
Belgrade Centre for Human RightsOrganisationazil.rs/Belgrade, , , , , , , , , , , , serbianational-nuts-0asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren men sexual-minorities women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
National and Kapodistrian University of AthensOrganisationen.uoa.grAthens, , , , , , , , greecenational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants family-migrants refugeesyouthpublic-body
CESIEOrganisationcesie.org/Palermo, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , italysupranational-eupermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
UNHCROrganisationwww.unhcr.org/Stockholm, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , swedenmulti-countryasylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages women youthinternational-organisation
University of PalermoOrganisationa3.unipa.it/profilePalermo, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , italymulti-country national-nuts-0 regional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2 rural-and-smaller-municipalities-nuts-3 supranational-eupermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthknowledge-producer
Free Hanseatic City of Bremen – Senator for Social Affairs, Youth, Sport and IntegrationOrganisationwww.soziales.bremen.de/Bremen, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , germanyregional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2 urban-larger-cities-oecd-definition-l-xxl-nuts-3 urban-small-medium-oecd-definition-nuts-3asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities women youthpublic-body
Canadian Refugee Sponsorship AssociationOrganisationwww.sahassociation.com/, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , canadanational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants family-migrants refugees resettled-refugeeschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
University of LaplandOrganisationwww.ulapland.fiJyväskylä, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , finlandmulti-country national-nuts-0 regional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers family-migrants irregular-migrants refugeeselderly men racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthknowledge-producer
Migration Institute of FinlandOrganisationwww.siirtolaisuusinstituutti.fiTurku, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , finlandmulti-country national-nuts-0 regional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2 rural-and-smaller-municipalities-nuts-3 supranational-eu urban-larger-cities-oecd-definition-l-xxl-nuts-3 urban-small-medium-oecd-definition-nuts-3permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups men racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthknowledge-producer
France terre d’asileOrganisationwww.france-terre-asile.org/Paris, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , francemulti-country national-nuts-0 supranational-euasylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren men women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Fondazione ISMUOrganisationismu.org/Milan, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , italymulti-country national-nuts-0 regional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2 supranational-eu urban-larger-cities-oecd-definition-l-xxl-nuts-3temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
EurocitiesOrganisationwww.eurocities.euBrussels, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , belgiummulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Migration Policy Institute EuropeOrganisationwww.migrationpolicy.org/Brussels, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , belgiummulti-country national-nuts-0 regional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2 rural-and-smaller-municipalities-nuts-3 supranational-eu urban-larger-cities-oecd-definition-l-xxl-nuts-3 urban-small-medium-oecd-definition-nuts-3permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthknowledge-producer
University of GhanaOrganisationwww.ug.edu.gh/Accra, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ghananational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers irregular-migrants refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men students women youthknowledge-producer
International Organization for Migration (IOM)Organisationbelgium.iom.int/Brussels, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , belgiumsupranational-eupermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthinternational-organisation
IntegrateYouth Project at Stockholm University SOFIOrganisationwww.integrateyouth.org/Stockholm, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , swedenmulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants family-migrants refugeeschildren men students women youthknowledge-producer
Ayuntamiento de AlcobendasOrganisationalcobendas.orgAlcobendas, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , spainurban-larger-cities-nuts-3beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugeeschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages women youthpublic-body
ARTTIC / FOCUS projectOrganisationwww.focus-refugees.euParis, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , francemulti-countryasylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugeeschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages women youthprivate-company-or-business
University of BolognaOrganisationphd.unibo.it/sde/itForli', , , italymulti-countrytemporary-labour-migrantswomenknowledge-producer
Ca’ Foscari University of VeniceOrganisationwww.unive.it/pag/28322/Venice, , , , , , , , , , italynational-nuts-0family-migrantsgeneral-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages womenknowledge-producer
Malmö UniversityOrganisationmau.se/en/research/research-centres/malmo-institute-for-studies-of-migration-diversity-and-welfare/Malmö, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , swedennational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorsgeneral-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthknowledge-producer
Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of LithuaniaOrganisationsocmin.lrv.lt/Vilnius, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , lithuanianational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren men students women youthpublic-body
Charita Česká republikaOrganisationwww.charita.czPraha, , , , , , , , , , , , , , czech-republicnational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants family-migrantsgeneral-population-non-migrants men specific-ethnicity-languages students womenngo-non-profit-organisation
Institute of Baltic StudiesOrganisationwww.ibs.ee/Tartu, , , , , , , , , , , , estoniaregional-province-or-subnational-region-nuts-1-2permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants family-migrantschildren elderly men specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Ankara Yildirim Beyazit UniversityOrganisationaybu.edu.tr/Ankara, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , turkeyurban-larger-cities-nuts-3permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugeeschildren students women youthknowledge-producer
Association pour la promotion des droits humainsOrganisationwww.apdh.chGeneve, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , switzerlandnational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly men sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
İltica ve Göç Araştırmaları Merkezi Derneği (İGAM)Organisationwww.igamder.orgAnkara, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , turkeynational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly men sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
FedasilOrganisationfedasil.beBrussels, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , belgiumnational-nuts-0asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection irregular-migrants refugees resettled-refugeeschildren elderly faith-groups men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages women youthpublic-body
Bund Ev.-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden in DeutschlandOrganisationwww.befg.deElstal (Brandenburg), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , germanynational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens other-protection-status-including-toleration refugeeschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthchurch
WE HELPOrganisationconsultant.teachlearnwork.com/Dewsbury, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , united-kingdomnational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers family-migrants refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Diaspora Digital NewsOrganisationdiasporadigitalnews.coAccra, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ghanamulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups men racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthmedia
Verein der Eltern aus Kurdistan in DeutschlandOrganisationwww.yekmal.deBerlin, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , germanynational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugeeschildren faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthmigrant-diaspora-organisation
Slovak humanitarian councilOrganisationwww.shr.skBratislava, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , slovakianational-nuts-0asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants irregular-migrants refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Roskilde UniversityOrganisationruc.dk/enRoskilde, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , denmarknational-nuts-0 supranational-eupermanent-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees unaccompanied-minorsracialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languagesknowledge-producer
University of BristolOrganisationmigration.bristol.ac.uk/Bristol, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , united-kingdomsupranational-eupermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups general-population-non-migrants men racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students women youthknowledge-producer
Institute for Immigration and Social Integration, Ruppin Academic CenterOrganisationwww.ruppin.ac.il/en/Institute-Immigration-Social-Integration/Pages/default.aspxEmeq Hefer, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , israelmulti-countrytemporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers refugeeschildren elderly men racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages women youthknowledge-producer
GAMBE – support group for Brazilian womenOrganisationgambe.orgAmsterdam (multiple), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , netherlandsmulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants unaccompanied-minorschildren racialised-minorities-bpoc sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages students womengrassroots-organisation
Irida Women’s CenterOrganisationwww.iridacenter.orgThessaloniki, , , , , , , , greeceurban-larger-cities-nuts-3permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers refugeeswomenngo-non-profit-organisation
IRARAOrganisationwww.IRARA.orgBrussels, , , , , , , , , , , belgiummulti-countrytemporary-labour-migrants irregular-migrantschildren men women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Migrant Integration Center BrasovOrganisationwww.migrantbrasov.roBrasov, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , romaniamulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugeeselderly general-population-non-migrants men students women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Familia ryOrganisationwww.familiary.fiHelsinki, , , , , , , , finlandnational-nuts-0eu-citizens family-migrantsgeneral-population-non-migrants men womenngo-non-profit-organisation
Verein FIBEL – Fraueninitiative Bikulturelle Ehen und LebensgemeinschaftenOrganisationwww.verein-fibel.atVienna, , , , , , , , , austrianational-nuts-0eu-citizens family-migrantsmen womenngo-non-profit-organisation
Stichting BMPOrganisationwww.stichtingbmp.nlAmsterdam, , , , , , , , , , , , , , netherlandsmulti-country national-nuts-0 urban-small-or-medium-city-nuts-3permanent-labour-migrants asylum-seekers family-migrants refugeesfaith-groups men women youthngo-non-profit-organisation
Cultuur in Harmonie /Helpdesk NewcomersOrganisationwww.c-inharmonie.nlZeewolde, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , netherlandsnational-nuts-0asylum-seekers family-migrants irregular-migrants refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorschildren elderly faith-groups men sexual-minorities specific-ethnicity-languages women youthmigrant-diaspora-organisation
Welcoming America (Welcoming International Initiative)Organisationwww.welcominginternational.orgSt. Louis, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , usamulti-countrypermanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection eu-citizens family-migrants irregular-migrants other-protection-status-including-toleration refugees resettled-refugees unaccompanied-minorsgeneral-population-non-migrants racialised-minorities-bpoc specific-ethnicity-languages studentsinternational-organisation
beratungsgruppe.atOrganisationwww.beratungsgruppe.atVienna, , , , , , , , austriasupranational-eupermanent-labour-migrants beneficiaries-of-subsidiary-protection family-migrants refugeeschildren elderly womenngo-non-profit-organisation
OpenEmbassyOrganisationwww.openembassy.nl/enAmsterdam, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , netherlandsnational-nuts-0permanent-labour-migrants temporary-labour-migrants asylum-seekers family-migrants refugees resettled-refugeeschildren men women youthsocial-enterprise

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