Resettlement

All resettlement documents, information and services are FREE of charge.

Should UNHCR or partner staff, leaders or members of the refugee community or any other person ask for money or favors to help you get into resettlement, please report this immediately to UNHCR through email to [email protected], if possible, with supporting evidence. You can also contact UNHCR’s Inspector General’s Office (IGO) by

Confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80,
Confidential email: [email protected],
Post: 94 rue de Montbrillant, CP 2500, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland,
Submitting a complaint form available on https://www.unhcr.org/igo-complaints.html.

What is resettlement?

Resettlement refers to the relocation of refugees from their country of asylum to a third country where they are granted legal status.

Resettlement is an option available only for recognized refugees.

Resettlement is a limited option for individuals who meet specific criteria

Resettlement is not a right. Decision on resettlement consideration is made by the resettlement countries.

How do I apply for resettlement?

You cannot apply for resettlement. UNHCR identifies only the most vulnerable refugees for resettlement consideration. Each case is considered on its own merits and is not linked to the date of registration with UNHCR.

Do I have a right to be considered for resettlement?

Resettlement is not a right. Only a minimal percentage among the most vulnerable refugees is considered for resettlement.

Globally, the resettlement needs are high, but the available slots are limited as it benefits less than 1% of the refugee population worldwide. Due to this, it is imperative that refugees understand that one may never be able to access this option and hence should work towards self-reliance in Tunisia, if the option for safe and sustainable return to the country of origin is currently not available.

Who makes the decision?

While UNHCR identifies refugees for resettlement consideration and interviews them to assess their eligibility for resettlement, the final decision to accept a refugee for resettlement rests with resettlement countries and not with UNHCR.

When will I receive a reply regarding my submitted case?

If you have been informed by UNHCR that your case has been submitted to a resettlement country, a resettlement staff will call you to counsel you on the status of your case.

How do I know if I am being considered for resettlement?

UNHCR resettlement unit will directly contact you.

Should I stop working or studying when my case is considered for resettlement?

No, you should continue with your normal activities as there is no guarantee that you will be resettled. Also, process itself can be lengthy. It can take many months before a final decision is taken by a resettlement country.

What happens if I have been interviewed for resettlement and there is a change in my family, such as marriage, birth or death?

You should immediately inform UNHCR of any change to family composition. Holding this information could compromise your case.

You can also visit our Frequently asked questions for quick information about UNHCR in Tunisia, accommodation, financial assistance, education and other helpful services.