ATTENTION! ALL UNHCR services are FREE!
What is evacuation?
Evacuation flights are humanitarian flights organized by UNHCR with the support of the Libyan authorities and the Governments of the receiving countries, as a way to help some of the most vulnerable refugees and asylum-seekers fly out of Libya to safety.
These flights usually go to temporary transit countries or directly to a receiving country that has agreed to accept refugees and asylum seekers. Once evacuated, people may stay in the transit country for some time, while their cases are reviewed for resettlement or other long-term solutions.
Evacuation flights are not the same as resettlement. Evacuation is an emergency measure to move people with serious and immediate protection risks and needs from Libya to a transit country for a temporary stay. Resettlement means moving a refugee to a country that accepts them to live there permanently, and it can only be done after that country reviews the case and agrees to accept the person.
Who can be evacuated?
Evacuation is not a right and not guaranteed to anyone. Many people registered with UNHCR will not be selected for evacuation because the number of places is very small and is determined by third countries who are willing to accept asylum-seekers or refugees with immediate protection needs.
Being held in detention does not automatically mean you will be prioritized for these flights. UNHCR continues to ask for the release of asylum-seekers and refugees from detention, but not everyone will be prioritized for flights.
What happens if you are interviewed for evacuation?
If you meet the criteria for evacuation, you may be interviewed by UNHCR staff about the circumstances that led you to leave your country of origin as well as your situation in Libya. Even if you are interviewed, this does not mean you will be evacuated. The interview helps UNHCR decide if you might be eligible, but final decisions are made by the governments of the countries that receive evacuees and will depend on the numbers of people that these countries can take.
Even if you are found eligible, you may still need to wait a long time before you can travel. The waiting time can be 12 – 18 months or longer.
Please note that all UNHCR services are FREE including evacuation, and no payments are involved.
What is resettlement? What are the criteria for resettlement?
The ultimate goal for UNHCR is to find long-term (or “durable”) solutions that allow refugees to rebuild their lives, in dignity and safety. These solutions could be voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement.
Resettlement is a process that enables refugees to relocate to another country with a legal status ensuring international protection and ultimately permanent residence. It is a unique opportunity, offering individuals and families a meaningful chance to rebuild their lives in an environment where their rights are protected from day one, and where access to naturalization and citizenship promise an end to years of displacement.
Registration with UNHCR does not mean that you have applied for or will automatically be considered for resettlement. Although thousands of refugees are registered with UNHCR, the number of available resettlement places is very limited, and only a few hundred individuals are selected each year. The selection for resettlement depends not only on refugees’ protection needs but also on the
specific requirements and priorities of resettlement countries. The resettlement process usually takes time. In most cases, it can take between 12 and 18 months to complete all the necessary steps. Please note that the timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances and procedures in the receiving country. The final decision to accept a refugee for resettlement to another country is made by the receiving country and not by UNHCR.
How can I request to be interviewed for evacuation or resettlement?
Once registered with UNHCR, you will be issued with a UNHCR certificate which confirms that you are under UNHCR protection. Registration is the first step for consideration for resettlement or evacuation. However, being registered with UNHCR does not guarantee that you will be called for an evacuation or resettlement interview, or that you will be evacuated or resettled.
Asylum-seekers and refugees cannot apply for evacuation or resettlement by themselves. Only those who are identified by UNHCR as the most vulnerable and who meet the criteria for evacuation or resettlement are called for interview due to the limited places provided by third countries.
I have been registered with UNHCR since many years, but no one has called me for an interview for resettlement or evacuation. Why is that?
Only those refugees and asylum seekers who are identified as the most vulnerable and who fall under the criteria for evacuation or resettlement are called for an interview due to the limited places provided by third countries.
UNHCR may also have tried to contact you but was not able to reach you. It is important to ensure UNHCR is notified of any change in your contact numbers. If your number has changed, please call our Registration Hotline 0911633466 or WhatsApp 0910019417/0916998581 including your UNHCR case number, your updated phone number and contact details.
How can I check the result of my interview for evacuation or resettlement?
If you had an interview with UNHCR and have not yet been contacted on the result of your interview, it means your case is still under consideration. UNHCR will contact you when a decision is reached, or to seek more information, if needed.
Updates about the process may take time. This is because evacuation and resettlement involve multiple steps, including careful review of cases, coordination with other countries, and arrangements for travel.
It is very important to keep your contact details up to date, so that UNHCR has the correct information on file. You can update your details by calling our Registration Hotline 0911633466 or WhatsApp 0910019417 / 0916998581, including your UNHCR case number and current phone number.
Please be patient while the process is ongoing and ensure UNHCR has your latest contact information to help you stay informed.
Should I inform UNHCR if my telephone number changes?
Yes! It is very important that UNHCR has your updated contact details.
If your contact number has changed, please send a SMS, WhatsApp, or Viber message to our Registration Hotline 0911633466 or Whats App 0910019417/0916998581 including your UNHCR case number, your updated phone number and contact details.
Your contact details will be updated in our database within 7 working days. You will receive a message confirming your information is updated.
