Refugees in Europe condemn ‘slow’ family reunion process

At least 15,000 refugees in Greece want to reconnect with family members, many of whom are in Germany, but bringing them together is a slow process.

Refugee families who were separated during their journeys to Europe over the past few years are starting to be reunited by immigration officials.

At least 15,000 refugees in Greece want to reconnect with family members, many of whom are in Germany, but bringing them together is a slow process.

Greek authorities are sending refugees to be reunited with family members in other European countries at a rate of about 300 per month. But there is a backlog of about 4,000 approved cases, many of whom have waited more than six months.

Some have gone on hunger strike in a bid to urge authorities to expedite their family reunions.

Al Jazeera’s John Psaropoulos reports from Athens.