Understanding the resettlement process for refugees in Uganda

Resettlement refers to the process of selection and transfer of refugees from a country in which they have sought protection (for example Uganda) to another country which has assessed the case and agreed to admit the individual or family and provide permanent residence.

Who is eligible for resettlement?

Resettlement opportunities are extremely limited, and only a small percentage (less than 1%) of refugees are considered for resettlement.

Resettlement is only available to refugees whose life, liberty, safety, health or fundamental human rights are at risk in the country where they sought refuge.

However, resettlement is not a right. Resettlement is a solution that is only available in very specific circumstances and to a very small number of refugees. There is no obligation on countries to accept refugees for resettlement automatically and the recognition of refugee status does not mean that a refugee has a case for resettlement.

What institutions manage the resettlement process in Uganda?

In Uganda, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) manages the resettlement process.

If refugee applicant is successful, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) does the cultural and pre-departure orientation, medical screening  and follow up, exit visa and travel arrangements, escort and transit arrangements for medical cases of the successful refugee applicants, as well as, conduct reception arrangements, on –arrival accommodation, initial on arrival support services such as medical, language training or cultural orientation, ongoing settlement and integration services , naturalization and citizenship in the third country of settlement.

What are the pre-conditions for resettlement in Uganda?

• UNHCR identifies refugees for resettlement on an on-going basis.
• Only persons who have been recognized and registered as refugees by the Office of the Prime Minister in Uganda and UNHCR may be considered for resettlement.
• While assessing individual cases, voluntary repatriation and local integration is thoroughly examined alongside other factors.
• All durable solutions are thoroughly evaluated and if resettlement identified as the most appropriate solution, an individual is considered for this pathway.
• Resettlement considerations are made without discrimination based on ethnicity, age, gender, marital status, education level, social status, religion, or nationality. Equality is a fundamental principle in the selection process.

NB: Exceptions can be made for non-refugee stateless persons for whom resettlement is considered the most appropriate durable solution and for certain non-refugee dependent family members to retain family unity.

What happens when a refugee is identified as needing resettlement?

UNHCR identifies people who are most at risk of serious harm in both their host country and country of origin. This meticulous assessment focuses on those subjected to imminent threats to their life, freedom, physical well-being, or other severe violations of fundamental human rights.

Step 1: Case assessment and verification

All refugees identified as needing resettlement, are verified, and assessed before a resettlement submission may be prepared.

During the verification process, officials thoroughly examine registration details, confirming an individual's refugee status or eligibility for resettlement based on exceptional grounds. 

They also scrutinize whether the resettlement identification aligns with established priorities, policy considerations, and submission categories.

At this stage, UNHCR ascertains whether the individual’s biodata in the database is current: and photographs of the Principal Applicant and all dependents are included. They also check whether the family composition is accurate and complete.

Subsequently, the preliminary assessment of an individual’s need for resettlement is conducted based on the information contained in the referral (internal, external or unsolicited) and any other information contained in the refugee’s file.

Step 2: Conducting Interviews

If your case is considered for resettlement, UNHCR will contact you. You will then be asked to appear for an interview at the UNHCR office in Kampala (for urban refugees) or in the settlement (for settlement-based refugees). 

During interviews, an interpreter is present to help the identified refugee state their resettlement claims and any other details in a language they are comfortable speaking.

NOTE: A refugee scheduled for a resettlement interview will not necessarily have their case submitted. The interview is a thorough assessment to ascertain whether the refugee qualifies for resettlement according to established policies and priorities, regardless of any preliminary assessment that has been done of the case.

Step 3: Submission to resettlement country for consideration  

If UNHCR determines that a case should be resettled, it is submitted to a resettlement country for its consideration.

The resettlement country makes the final decision concerning the resettlement of a refugee and not UNHCR. Each resettlement country has its own regulations and procedures for the resettlement of refugees and therefore reserves the right to accept or reject a refugee. 

What happens after a case is submitted to a resettlement country for consideration?

• The authorities of the resettlement country will conduct their own interview(s). these authorities will make their own assessment for the case.
• A final decision is issued to the refugee by the resettlement country.
• If approved by the resettlement country, each family member will undergo medical screening and security clearances. Medical examinations will be arranged by IOM.
•  A cultural orientation is arranged by the resettlement country and IOM.
• Travel arrangements are made by IOM upon receiving notice from the resettlement country.
• Reception and integration in the resettlement country.

Is it mandatory for the resettlement country to accept a case?

While UNHCR submits cases for resettlement, it cannot guarantee that the case will be accepted by a resettlement country.

Resettlement depends on the willingness of the resettlement country to accept a refugee for legal stay in its territory, in accordance with its laws and regulations. Each resettlement country has its own regulations and procedures in respect to the resettlement of refugees.

Subsequently, representatives from the resettlement country may ask for additional information contained in the refugee’s file during selection missions or dossier considerations.

You’ve been accepted to the resettlement country, what next? 

After a refugee is accepted for resettlement, several formalities usually have to be undertaken prior to departure and these include:

• Cultural and pre- departure counseling and orientation
• Medical screening and follow up
• Exit visa and travel arrangements
• Escort and transit arrangements (particularly for medical cases)

What is the cost of resettlement?

Refugees should not pay anyone for resettlement consideration, for the submission of a case, or at any step in the process.

All services provided by UNHCR, the government, and implementing partners are free of charge.

Please notify UNHCR immediately if anyone demands money for any resettlement services.

To report a case of fraud, contact UNHCR through the interagency toll free helpline 0800323232 
What time can you call?
08:30 – 18:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
08:30 – 17:30 Wednesday
09:00 – 18:00 Saturday and Sunday

You can also send an email to [e-mail] or put your complaint in a complaint box at all UNHCR offices. 

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