Resettlement through UNHCR is one of the solutions that enables refugees to move from KSA to another country. UNHCR works with resettlement countries to provide resettlement as a durable solution for the most vulnerable refugees. This process entails UNHCR to undertake a comprehensive study of individual situation of recognized refugees and based on criteria defined by the resettlement countries, UNHCR identifies those most vulnerable cases. Before resettlement is considered as an option for an asylum seeker, s/he would need to undergo a Refugee Status Determination interview to assess whether s/he meets the international definition of a refugee. Recognition of refugee status does not necessarily mean that a refugee will be referred for resettlement consideration. UNHCR does not have the power to influence the decision of resettlement countries to accept the case.
It should be noted that resettlement is not a right for recognized refugees. It is also not an application-based process where individuals can apply. Only few resettlement slots are made available by resettlement countries to UNHCR each year. Only those refugees meeting the criteria for submission to resettlement countries will be considered. Less than 0.5% of all refugees around the world are resettled, which means that it is based on a prioritization review of the cases in most need.
Resettlement is not linked with the date of registration with UNHCR, nationality, or any other characteristics. UNHCR identifies refugees based on their protection needs and continuously assessment of the most vulnerable families to determine whether they meet the countries’ resettlement criteria.