Resettlement and Complementary Pathways

Resettlement refers to the organized transfer of refugees, displaced persons, and other individuals in need of international migration services for whom arrangements may be made between the involved stakeholders and the concerned states. Resettlement is an international protection tool and one of the durable solutions for refugees. It is a demonstration of international solidarity and responsibility-sharing with countries that host large numbers of refugees.

A refugee is someone who is outside their country of nationality because of a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.  This is the definition in the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol and used by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

IOM Türkiye operates resettlement programmes for refugees and migrants to several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, European countries and more.

During the resettlement process, IOM works closely with governments, UNHCR, non-government organizations, and other partners. The process begins with UNHCR, which identifies, interviews, and submits refugee cases to countries for resettlement consideration.

IOM has cooperative agreements with these countries to provide specific resettlement activities, which may include Case Processing, Health Assessments, Pre-Departure Orientation, and Movement. Upon arrival, resettlement countries provide refugees with legal and physical protection, including access to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights similar to those enjoyed by nationals. Most refugees eventually become naturalized citizens of their country of resettlement.