What is resettlement?
Resettlement is a transfer of refugees from an asylum country to another country which has agreed to admit them and ultimately grant permanent settlement.
Is there a right to resettlement?
Resettlement to a third country is not a right, and there is no obligation on countries to accept refugees for resettlement. Resettlement to a third country depends on the policies of resettlement countries and their admission criteria, also the situation and personal circumstances of a refugee. Thus, the final decision on whether or not a refugee may be resettled rests with a third country, not with UNHCR.
When does UNHCR in Armenia undertake resettlement?
UNHCR in Armenia receives no resettlement quota due to the decreasing number of slots globally. UNHCR efforts are focused on strengthening the national system of international protection and assisting refugees to have access to and finding international protection in Armenia.
Accordingly, UNHCR supports initiatives and dedicates resources assisting asylum-seekers and refugees in the area of self-reliance and local integration in Armenia. Resettlement may be invoked only exceptionally as a protection tool for persons facing serious protection risks that cannot be addressed in Armenia. UNHCR will identify potential cases for resettlement consideration directly. Identification does not depend on an application by potential candidates. UNHCR has full information about legal and social situation of asylum-seekers and refugees who receive legal and social assistance from the UNHCR implementing partner organizations in Armenia. If your case is selected for resettlement consideration, UNHCR will contact you.
Do I have to pay for support with resettlement?
All UNHCR and NGO partner services are free of charge. If you are asked to pay for support by UNHCR or NGO staff, you should report this to the UNHCR Representative in Armenia, and/or to the UNHCR Inspector General. UNHCR and NGO partner staff are subject to the UNHCR Code of Conduct.