Resettlement

Resettlement is a durable solution for refugees, involving their selection and transfer from a country of asylum to a third country that agrees to admit them as residents. This provides refugees the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

• You cannot apply for resettlement. UNHCR identifies refugees with specific protection needs who meet resettlement criteria.
• Resettlement is not a right and is available only to a small number of vulnerable refugees globally.

• No. All UNHCR services, including resettlement, are free.
• If anyone asks for money or claims they can facilitate resettlement, report this to the UNHCR Inspector General’s Office (IGO) at [email protected].

• UNHCR follows global criteria and prioritizes refugees with urgent protection needs.
• A resettlement panel assesses cases and evaluates whether resettlement is the most appropriate solution.
• Only refugees who meet these criteria are submitted to resettlement countries for consideration.

• You will be called for an interview. Be truthful and provide accurate information.
• Information shared during resettlement interviews is confidential and not shared with the government of your home country or third parties without your consent

• Resettlement is a complex process with many steps.
• Due to the limited number of resettlement places, it may take a long time for your case to be processed.

• The final decision rests with the resettlement country, not UNHCR.
• If your case is rejected, there is no right to appeal.

• Contact UNHCR with your case number and updated contact details.
• If your case is under review, you will be notified once a decision is made.

• No. Resettlement is only available to recognized refugees.

• UNHCR does not process applications for sponsorship programs established by other countries.
• If your sponsorship application requires UNHCR’s involvement, contact UNHCR with your case number for guidance.

• If your situation changes significantly, report this to UNHCR or its partners.
• Cases are assessed individually based on vulnerability and protection needs.
• Resettlement is not guaranteed, even for those with worsening situations.

• Medical needs are considered, but they do not automatically qualify a refugee for resettlement.
• Overall vulnerability and socio-economic circumstances are also taken into account.

• UNHCR may consider resettlement based on family unity.
• Inform UNHCR if your family is registered in separate cases.

• Being rejected does not exclude you from future resettlement consideration.
• However, resettlement opportunities are limited, and decisions are made by the resettlement country.

• No. Resettlement is only available to refugees, not internally displaced persons (IDPs).