“We are simply requesting our legal rights.”

I have been waiting for 20 months just to secure a 30-minute interview at the German Consulate General in Erbil. Some of my friends have been waiting even longer, up to 23 months. We don't deserve such long waiting times, especially when our spouses are in Germany, working and contributing to the government with more than €1600 monthly. Our only wish is to start our lives as families together, but the current inefficiencies in the consular appointment system are pulling us apart.

This issue is severely impacting numerous families who are separated from their loved ones, resulting in unnecessary emotional distress. In some cases, families have been forced to consider divorce. Heartbreakingly, there are families with babies growing up without one parent, missing out on crucial moments they cannot get back.

In neighboring countries, the waiting time for family reunification appointments and visa decisions does not exceed one year. However, at the German Consulate General in Erbil, applicants are forced to wait for more than two years. This situation raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency. Why are applicants not informed about their appointment dates, and when will this prolonged waiting come to an end?

The current appointment system's backlog is neither practical nor humane. Waiting more than 2 years for a simple 30-minute interview is unacceptable. The lack of communication and answers about these delays adds to our frustration. Our request is simple: improve the appointment system for family reunion cases at the German Consulate General in Erbil to make appointments available more quickly.

We propose that additional staff be allocated to handle the backlog of family reunion appointments. Improving the appointment booking system by increasing slots available per day will expedite the process. A transparent communication channel should also be established so families can be informed about their cases.

We urge the German Consulate General in Erbil and the German government to take immediate action on this issue. Every day lost is precious time lost with our families. We cannot continue to be patient while the bureaucratic process lags.

Please sign this petition to call for a more efficient and compassionate appointment system so families can reunite without unnecessary delay.