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

Can I apply for resettlement?

No. Resettlement is not an application-based process. UNHCR reviews the situation of refugees in the most vulnerable situations, referred by PMM, to assess whether they meet UNHCR’s and resettlement countries’ criteria. If your case is under resettlement consideration, UNHCR will contact you.

Resettlement is not a right, and not every refugee will be resettled.

Can I choose which country I would like to be resettled to?

No, you cannot choose the country of resettlement.

The governments of resettlement countries tell UNHCR each year how many refugees they can 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 circumstances as well as the criteria of resettlement countries.

What will I be asked in a resettlement interview?

An interview is conducted individually with each adult refugee included in the case. There may also be reasons to interview children briefly. The interview is carried out in the language you prefer. You can also express your preference as to the gender of the interviewer and/or interpreter.

The interview is audio recorded for anti-fraud reasons and for the protection of refugees. The content of the interview remains strictly confidential and information will be shared with resettlement countries for the processing of your case with your consent. In order to facilitate a smooth process and a fair assessment, you are requested to tell the truth.

During the interview, you will be asked a range of questions. The interview is an opportunity for you to explain details of your own situation, so that UNHCR can have a detailed understanding of the circumstances of your life in your home country and in Türkiye. You should bring any relevant identity, travel, or other documents which you 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. There is no timeline for a decision from the resettlement countries or for travel. This depends on the resettlement countries’ assessment procedures and ability to find 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 Türkiye ‘Results’ website for updates on your case, or call the UNHCR Counselling Line at 444 48 68.

How can I know the result of my resettlement case with UNHCR?

To get any updates on your resettlement case, visit UNHCR Türkiye ‘Results’ website or call the UNHCR Counselling Line at 444 48 68

I was told that if I paid money to someone, I would be resettled. Is this true?

No, it is not. These statements are false. These are fraudulent acts aiming to get money from you, and no resettlement will occur. Individuals may show you false information to persuade you that they are connected to UNHCR, its partners, or the Republic of Türkiye. Do not believe them.

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 Republic of Türkiye.

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 Türkiye at [email protected].
  • You can call the UNHCR Counselling Line at 444 48 68

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

Where can I go for help on my resettlement case?

If you have been contacted by UNHCR for resettlement consideration and have questions or concerns about your case, please contact the UNHCR Counselling Line at 444 48 68 for further assistance.

I have checked my case status on UNHCR’s Results website, and it states that my case “does not currently qualify for resettlement”. What does this mean?

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. Please note that there is no appeal process for this decision.

Your legal status in Türkiye remains unaffected by the decision in your resettlement case. You will remain under temporary protection or international protection in Türkiye, and your rights, obligations, and the assistance services available to you will not be affected.