Resettlement

10 KEY POINTS ABOUT RESETTLEMENT

  • The search for durable solutions for refugees is a central part of UNHCR’s mandate. These include repatriation to the country of origin, local integration in the country of asylum and resettlement. Some refugees may be eligible for solutions through other methods such as family reunification, humanitarian pathways and private sponsorship programs.
  • Resettlement involves the selection and transfer of refugees from the country in which they have sought protection (Trinidad and Tobago) to a third country that has agreed to admit them with the intention of providing long term legal status.
  • Resettlement is NOT a right of refugees; therefore, a refugee cannot apply for resettlement. The fact that a refugee has been recognized as a refugee in Trinidad and Tobago does not mean that the case will be considered for resettlement.
  • Resettlement slots are limited, and they are determined by the resettlement countries, NOT by UNHCR. Only a small number of countries take part in UNHCR’s resettlement programme and typically less than 1% of refugees worldwide are resettled each year.
  • Resettlement as a durable solution is a limited option available only to refugees who meet very precise criteria defined both by UNHCR and resettlement countries.
  • A refugee CANNOT choose the resettlement country. Each resettlement country has its own procedures and requirements in respect to who they will consider for resettlement.
  • The final decision regarding who is granted resettlement is taken by the resettlement country, NOT by UNHCR. UNHCR can refer cases for resettlement but UNHCR cannot guarantee that they will be accepted. Countries decide who is granted resettlement admission according to their policies, criteria, laws and migration regulations.
  • All the information provided by the refugee to UNHCR and the resettlement countries is CONFIDENTIAL.
  • Misrepresenting facts of your resettlement case can cause your case to be rejected both before and after resettlement country submission. This includes misrepresenting family links or family composition, details about the facts of your resettlement case and presenting fraudulent documents.
  • All resettlement processes are FREE of charge. If someone offers resettlement services or travel documents in exchange for money or other services, s/he is committing FRAUD and an investigation will be conducted with possible reporting to local authorities. If you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of behaviour please inform UNHCR staff or send an email to [email protected].