Resettlement
We would like to bring to your attention that UNHCR does not provide in-person counselling at any of its offices. If you would like to contact UNHCR for protection and assistance issues or support, please call the UNHCR Counselling Line at 444 48 68 or email us at [email protected]
We are aware that incorrect information is newly circulating, stating that UNHCR offices in Ankara are receiving applications for resettlement. This is not true. Resettlement is not an application-based process. Coming to UNHCR offices will not result in prioritization of your case. UNHCR continuously reviews the situation of refugees in the most vulnerable situations referred by the PMM, to assess whether they meet UNHCR’s resettlement criteria. If your case is under resettlement consideration, UNHCR will contact you, so do not unnecessarily spend your resources and time to come to UNHCR Ankara, it will not have any influence on your case
Resettlement is a solution that enables refugees to move from their country of asylum to another country, where they will receive protection and assistance. UNHCR works with the Republic of Türkiye and resettlement countries to find durable solutions for the most vulnerable refugees who are facing protection risks in Türkiye.
Resettlement is not a right. It is also not an application-based process. Only a few resettlement spots are made available to UNHCR each year, and few refugees meet the strict criteria for submission to resettlement countries. Less than 1% of all refugees around the world are resettled.
UNHCR works in collaboration with the Republic of Türkiye’s Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) which identifies refugees in the most vulnerable situations. UNHCR subsequently evaluates cases of individuals to understand their vulnerabilities and determine if they are suitable for submission to resettlement countries. Final decisions with regard to resettlement are taken by the resettlement countries, and not UNHCR.
If your case is selected for resettlement consideration, UNHCR will contact you, but this may take a significant period of time due to the limited resettlement places available each year
If you have concerns about your situation in Türkiye or want to report your heightened vulnerability, please call the PMM call centre at 157 or visit the Protection Desk at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) in your province.
Frequently asked questions
No. Resettlement is not an application-based process. UNHCR continually reviews the situation of refugees in the most vulnerable situations, referred by the DGMM, to assess whether they meet UNHCR’s resettlement criteria. If your case is under resettlement consideration, UNHCR will contact you.
Resettlement is not a right and does not apply to everyone granted refugee status.
No, refugees cannot choose the country of resettlement.
Countries are not obliged to accept refugees for resettlement. The governments of different countries tell UNHCR each year how many refugees they wish to accept; they also establish their own eligibility criteria as to what types of cases they can receive. If you are selected for resettlement processing, UNHCR will assess your case and decide the most suitable resettlement country based on your circumstance as well as the criteria of the country.
An interview is conducted individually with each adult refugee included in the case. The interview is carried out in the language preferred by the refugee. The refugee can also express their preference as to the gender of the interviewer and/or interpreter.
The detailed content of the interview is written down in electronic format. The interview might also be audio recorded for anti-fraud reasons and for the protection of refugees. The whole content of the interview remains strictly confidential. In order to facilitate a smooth process and a fair assessment, the refugee is requested to ensure that they tell the truth.
During the interview, the refugee will be asked a range of questions. The interview is an opportunity for the refugee to present his/her own situation, so that UNHCR can have a detailed understanding about the circumstances of the case. The refugee is reminded to provide any relevant identity, travel, or other documents which they may have.
The fact that you were interviewed does not guarantee that you will be resettled.
Please also remember that resettlement is a long process. It may take months or more than a year, depending on the resettlement countries and their assessment procedures, as well as finding suitable accommodation for refugees.
UNHCR will be in touch with you during the different stages of the resettlement process. You can also visit the UNHCR Turkey ‘Results’ website for updates on your case, or call the UNHCR Counselling Line on 444 48 68.
No, it is not. All services provided by UNHCR and its partners are free of charge.
Do not trust anyone or any organization that asks for money to be paid for services provided by UNHCR, UNHCR partners or the Turkish Government.
These statements are false. These are fraudulent acts aiming to get money from you and no resettlement will occur. These fraudulent people are seeking to take advantage of your situation. Avoid them at all costs. They may show you false information to persuade you that they are connected to UNHCR, its partners or the Turkish Government. Do not believe them.
If you have been approached by someone claiming they can help your case, please inform UNHCR immediately.
You can report this through the following channels:
- You can email UNHCR Turkey at [email protected].
- You can put your complaint in a Complaints Box. Complaints Boxes are available at all UNHCR offices.
- You can submit your complaint in a sealed envelope to a UNHCR partner’s office, to be delivered to UNHCR by hand.
Your concerns are taken seriously, and will be treated confidentially. Your resettlement case will not be affected. If you do not want to use your name or case number, you can present your complaint anonymously.
If you have any information about a UNHCR staff member involved in any kind of fraud, please inform us using the Complaints Boxes, or make a complaint to the Inspector General’s Office at UNHCR’s Headquarters in Geneva:
- Email: [email protected]
- Confidential fax: +41 22 739 7380
- Mail: UNHCR, 94 Rue de Montbrillant, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
If you have been approached by UNHCR for resettlement consideration, and have questions or concerns about your case, please contact the UNHCR Counselling Line on 444 48 68 for further assistance.
This means that following careful assessment, your case was not found eligible for further resettlement processing. Accordingly, UNHCR will not submit your case for resettlement. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be considered for resettlement again in the future. Please note that there is no appeal process for this decision.
You remain under temporary protection or international protection in Turkey, and your rights, obligations and the assistance services available to you will not be affected.
If you are facing any significant problems, please contact the UNHCR Counselling Line on 444 48 68.