Resettlement
What is Resettlement?
Resettlement is the transfer of refugees from the country where they have sought protection to another country that has agreed to admit them and grant them permanent residence. It is one of the durable solutions UNHCR supports, alongside voluntary return and local integration.
Every year, only a small number of refugees are resettled worldwide. Selection is based on specific protection needs and criteria defined by the Resettlement Country. It is not influenced by how long you have been a refugee or your personal preference.
UNHCR in Nigeria monitors individual cases of refugees on an ongoing basis and determines
However, it is important to know how resettlement works globally and how to protect yourself from fraud.
Who can be considered for Resettlement?
Resettlement identification is done regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, marital status, education, level, social status, nationality or religion. Yet, to be identified for Resettlement, you need to meet the Resettlement criteria set by the resettlement countries.
The number of resettlement spots, and selection criteria depends on the countries that agreed to receive refugees, and UNHCR only facilitates the identification of cases that meet those criteria.
No refugee has automatically the right to be considered for Resettlement after living a certain number of years in their country of asylum or being registered with UNHCR.
Important disclaimers:
- Resettlement places are very limited globally.
- Being registered with UNHCR does not guarantee resettlement.
- There is no application process — UNHCR identifies and contacts refugees directly.
Fraud warning
- Resettlement is free. No one can promise you resettlement or request money for it.
- If someone offers resettlement for money or personal favors, it is fraud.
- Do not share your personal documents with anyone who claims they can arrange resettlement.
Additional questions:
The Protection Officer based in Abuja works with other focal points in the field offices in Lagos and Ogoja to process cases of individuals identified for resettlement. The focal point in Abuja is also responsible for the cases identified in Kano.
UNHCR identifies refugees for Resettlement in accordance with Resettlement categories based on their protection needs. Criteria for Resettlement are set by the Resettlement States.
No, UNHCR identifies people for resettlement based on protection needs.
There is no fixed timeframe for resettlement processing. It can take months or even years as each case is different and, depending on several factors such as:
- The availability of resettlement places in third countries
- Security and medical clearancesIndividual case complexityDecisions made by resettlement countries
- UNHCR will keep you informed at key stages, but please note that being identified for resettlement does not guarantee departure within a specific period.
Once a case is identified for Resettlement Consideration, you will be contacted by UNHCR for an interview. The steps of Resettlement processing will be explained during this interview.
Given that resettlement processing can be quite lengthy, you should inform UNHCR of any changes in your family composition (death, birth, marriage, divorce), or if you change your phone number. You can do so by contacting the NCFRMI office closest to you.
Once a case is submitted to a Resettlement Country, you will receive a phone call informing you of this.
Resettlement Countries make the final decision on your Resettlement Case and whether your case will be accepted.
If your case is rejected/denied from Resettlement Consideration, you will be informed of this.
You can withdraw your case from Resettlement Consideration by contacting the UNHCR Protection Helpline at the same time mentioned above, using the same phone number. The Helpline operator will include you in the queue for special information sharing with the protection team.
No, countries offer a limited number of places and make the final decision.
UNHCR will continue to support you in the country where you are living.
Those with existing resettlement cases may write to the UNHCR protection email [email protected] for any enquiries.
