The cabinet has asked the Council of State to suspend a number of court rulings in which judges have stated the ban on refugee family reunions contravenes various human rights laws.

The government imposed the ban earlier this year in an effort to reduce the number of refugees and to ease pressure on social housing. It applies to all refugees who have been given a residential permit but don’t have a regular place to live.

Several court cases have already been heard and more are pending. In each case so far, the court has ruled in favour of the refugees.

The cabinet hopes that by asking the Council of State to suspend the rulings, it can prevent families arriving in the Netherlands before its appeal is heard.

The Council of State will announce its verdict on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning and the formal appeal will be heard in January.