Resettlement is the selection and transfer of refugees from a state where they have sought protection to a third state that has agreed to admit them—as refugees—with permanent residence status. Annually, less than 1 per cent of refugees worldwide find a resettlement opportunity.
Complementary pathways are safe and regulated avenues for refugees that provide lawful entry and long-term stay in a third country that has agreed to accept them. Refugees’ eligibility for complementary pathways is based on criteria other than those for resettlement (such as vulnerability or protection needs of the refugees) and includes their education or employment qualifications or family composition.
Complementary pathways could include admission to pursue education in a third country or employment opportunities. Family reunification procedures, humanitarian admission and private sponsorship schemes are also possible complementary pathways.
For some complementary pathways, refugees can directly access this information and do not need support or information from UNHCR.
- Click on the blocks below to learn more about each of them.
