Luxembourg rejects refugee application from Gaza

The Gaza Strip faces dire humanitarian conditions, exacerbated by the threat of assault from Israel, with nearly one and a half million Palestinians crammed in the densely populated town of Rafah. Concerns about the safety and well-being of loved ones left behind in the conflict zone have sparked discussions among Palestinians living in Luxembourg. Political actors such as the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) have also joined the call for action, emphasising the urgency of evacuating affected families, particularly in the context of family reunification.

Currently, three individuals from Gaza have submitted applications for family reunification to the Immigration Directorate. While one application has been rejected due to unmet requirements, the remaining two cases are still under review, according to confirmation from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Under Luxembourg's regulations, foreign nationals from third countries are limited in their eligibility for family reunification. Such applications are typically restricted to partners in marital or registered partnerships, as well as children. Exceptions may be made for refugee minors seeking reunification with their parents, or in cases where individuals have been resident in Luxembourg for over 12 months without adequate family support elsewhere. Additionally, adult children unable to provide for themselves due to illness may qualify for reunification. In certain circumstances, refugee minors lacking direct family ties may be grouped with other relatives for reunification purposes.

In addition to the applications for family reunification, the Immigration Directorate has been approached by individuals seeking to bring their family members to Luxembourg through alternative channels, as disclosed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, authorisation for such cases is contingent upon meeting specific criteria, and the absence of an evacuation procedure from Gaza complicates matters further.

Efforts to aid families in Gaza continue despite challenges

The Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the severity of the situation and confirmed ongoing engagement with affected individuals in Luxembourg who have family ties in Gaza. Furthermore, efforts are underway to coordinate with other European Union countries regarding potential evacuation plans for Palestinians without dual nationality and the associated logistical procedures. Nevertheless, the options for evacuation remain severely limited, with practically only Palestinians holding dual nationality being successfully evacuated thus far.

Highlighting the challenges involved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores the necessity for individuals seeking refuge in Luxembourg to possess a valid residence permit in the Grand Duchy, further complicating the situation.

The plight of families in the Gaza Strip with connections to Luxembourg was also a focal point of discussion during Wednesday's Government Council meeting.