Author
Before 2014, family members of the sponsor were granted the same status (refugee or subsidiary protection) as the sponsor. However, since the 2014 legislative changes, family members are now granted resident status under the Foreigners Act. Family members of persons with refugee status are granted a permanent residence permit, while family members of a person with subsidiary protection are granted a temporary residence permit for the same duration as that of their family member’s subsidiary protection. It can be extended under the same conditions as it is granted and for the same time as the extension of the subsidiary protection of the sponsor.[1]
Family members of refugees are entitled to accommodation in an Integration House or financial assistance with accommodation at a private address together with the sponsor. However, family members of a person with subsidiary protection are not entitled to financial assistance (see Housing).[2]
Family members are entitled to the same rights regarding health care, social security, education and employment as citizens of the Republic of Slovenia.[3]
In case the family member who has been granted family reunification with a beneficiary of international protection does not possess a valid passport, the Ministry of the Interior issues them a passport without fingerprints and signature, with a validity of 90 days, for the purpose of entry into the Republic of Slovenia.[4] Financial assistance for arrival in Slovenia is not provided. Since the costs needed for arrival can be extremely high beneficiaries normally ask NGOs (ADRA, Red Cross) to help them with fundraising campaigns. In addition to the costs of arrival beneficiaries also have to bear the costs of the procedure. This includes costs related to obtaining the needed documentation, translation of the documents, cost of Slovenian documents issued by the Migration directorate, costs of serving the documents etc. During the personal interview translation is provided by the Migration directorate.
[1] Articles 47.a(3) and 47.b(3) and (7) Foreigners Act.
[2] Articles 93(2) and 97(5) IPA.
[3] Family members of persons with subsidiary protection pursuant to an explicit provision in Article 47.b(12) Foreigners Act and family members of persons with refugee status as holders of a permanent residence permit.
[4] Article 98(5) Foreigners Act.