Resettlement

Resettlement is the selection and transfer of refugees from a country in which they have sought protection to another country which has agreed to admit them. It carries with it the opportunity to eventually become a naturalized citizen of the resettlement country.

Resettlement, however, is only available for a fraction of the world’s refugees in need of this solution. Less than 1% of refugees worldwide are ever resettled. There are far too few resettlement spaces for the number of refugees that need resettlement. It is important to note that:

  • Resettlement is not a right. Registration or granting of refugee status by UNHCR does not mean an individual will be referred for resettlement.
  • Resettlement remains a protection tool for highly vulnerable refugees. Identification for potential resettlement submission is based on individual protection needs.
  • The submission of a case for resettlement consideration is contingent on many factors, including the severity of individual protection needs, the protection environment, the position of the host country and the availability of resettlement places.

If you are preliminarily identified for resettlement, the Durable Solutions Unit (DSU) may contact you by telephone, if additional information is required to complete a resettlement processing eligibility assessment.

Resettlement Interview

If you are found to be eligible for resettlement processing, you will be invited to a resettlement interview. In principle, all interviews take place in-person at UNHCR. In exceptional circumstances, you will receive an invitation for an online interview. During the call informing you of your resettlement interview appointment, you can let the Durable Solutions Unit know if you do not wish to proceed with an online interview. It will not affect the outcome of UNHCR’s consideration for your resettlement processing.

After the Resettlement Interview

After the resettlement interview, your situation will be carefully reviewed and a decision will be made on whether a submission will be made to a resettlement country for their consideration.

If you are submitted for resettlement, either the Durable Solutions Unit or the resettlement country will contact you to provide you with more information.

Resettlement countries ultimately decide whether or not to grant resettlement according to their policies and laws.

If a submission was made to the United States of America, you can check your processing status with the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) below.

Email: RSCInquiries.Malaysia@rescue.org

Telephone: +603 9212 8117

Web portal CASI.

If a submission was made to Canada, you can check your case status using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s web form.

Pre-departure Arrangements and Travel to a Resettlement Country

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) organizes necessary pre-departure arrangements, including medical screening and cultural orientation, as well as travel arrangements for accepted refugees to the resettlement country. If you have been accepted by a resettlement country, IOM will contact you once the travel instruction is ready. If you have been accepted for resettlement and have a question about your pre-departure arrangements or travel, you can contact IOM Kuala Lumpur at iomkulinq@iom.int or call +603 9235 5400.

Resettlement Related Materials

Resettlement Webinar

Have Some Questions?

For more information, please consult the Resettlement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Resettlement FAQ