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.
IMPORTANT!
Resettlement considerations are not based on your requests or applications. Therefore, UNHCR Malaysia does not accept requests or applications for resettlement.
Please do not come to the office, send emails and letters or call the office to request or apply for resettlement.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
The United States Government has announced the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). UNHCR is awaiting further guidance from the U.S. government regarding the impact of this new order on refugees currently in the process of resettlement to the United States. This also affects refugees in family reunification processes and WelcomeCorps processes. In the meantime, please do not make any major life changes based on anticipated resettlement (including leaving work, school, selling belongings/property, in preparation of resettlement).
Please be careful and alert to possible scams and/or fraudulent messages or offers.
Do not be tricked into scams promising resettlement or fast-track processes for a fee or other favours. Do not pay money to anyone promising you resettlement. Do not trust anyone asking you for money to make your case move faster with UNHCR. UNHCR staff, interpreters and partners should never ask you for money for any UNHCR process, including resettlement. If anyone asks you for money for resettlement or for any other UNHCR processes, please immediately report the matter to:
- The police CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-26101559 or 03-26101599.
- UNHCR using this form: Contact – Refugee Malaysia.
- The suspension of the USRAP applies to all refugees who have been submitted for refugee resettlement to the United States, at all stages of processing, so do not believe anyone who tells you they can help you depart from Malaysia more quickly or move your case faster. This is not true. Always verify information with UNHCR before taking any action.
- If your USRAP case was submitted by a sponsor, please be aware that sponsors are not able to help you depart Malaysia more quickly or move your case faster.
- Do not trust any messages related to the status of your resettlement case or your travel unless officially communicated by the U.S. Government, or authorized staff of UNHCR, IOM or RSC. In case of any doubt, please contact UNHCR office here: Contact – Refugee Malaysia.
- UNHCR will share updates through the Refugee Malaysia website as and when they become available.
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 countries other than Australia. If you have been accepted by a resettlement country other than Australia, IOM will contact you once the travel instruction is ready. You can also contact IOM Kuala Lumpur at iomkulinq@iom.int or call +603 9235 5400 if you have a question about your pre-departure arrangements or travel.
If you have been accepted by Australia, Toll will contact you from a phone number starting with +66 to advise you on pre-departure arrangements and travel.
Resettlement Related Materials
Resettlement Webinar
NOTE: Please note that the above webinar was conducted in June 2024. Due to the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) which came into effect on 27 January 2025 (see Important Notice above), the RSC enquiries channel as mentioned at 23:39 in the webinar recording has also been suspended until further notice.
Have Some Questions?
For more information, please consult the Resettlement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).