UNHCR works in collaboration with PMM to identify the most vulnerable cases and to assess their eligibility for resettlement. As of 10 September 2018, PMM pre-identifies cases based on vulnerability and refers them to UNHCR, similar to the procedure already followed for temporary protection beneficiaries (see Temporary Protection: Resettlement). In general, stakeholders have noticed that the criteria and standards of ‘vulnerability’ used now by PMM are different from the ones of UNHCR and NGOs. For instance, LGBTQI+ people or people living with HIV are not considered as vulnerable.[1] The final decisions on resettlement are taken by the receiving countries.
In 2022, due to the great demand, UNHCR expanded its resettlement team, creating two new interview sites in Istanbul and Gaziantep, and is exploring additional complementary options for refugees through labour mobility and educational opportunities. According to PMM statistics, as of June 2025, 72,155 Syrians had been resettled (since 2016) to the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Switzerland, and Norway.[2]
In response to the earthquakes,[3] several countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, increased their intake of refugees from affected areas. In 2024, around 13 EU countries were expected to be a part of the resettlement efforts, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Italy, Finland, France, Norway, Ireland,[4] which is confirmed by PMM statistics except Ireland.[5] IOM collaborated with these resettlement countries to provide accommodation during the interview process in Ankara and Istanbul and before departure, facilitated rapid visa and exit permit processing, expedited departures using commercial and charter flights, and provided medical support and non-food items to those in need.
According to the UNHCR, as of September 2024, more than 11,000 resettlement submissions were made, 79 percent of which were for refugees from Syria in the earthquake affected region. Over 6,800 refugees departed to third countries.[6]
Regarding the complementary pathways, 7 students went to Italy and 2 to Lithuania with scholarships from universities, additionally three refugees left for Canada through labour pathway opportunities.[7]
In 2024, guardianship, custody, and trusteeship arrangements emerged as key challenges in the context of resettlement. When one parent—typically the father—has left, the remaining parent often faces significant difficulties managing administrative and legal procedures for the child. Even in cases where the remaining parent retains full custodial rights, authorities may still require written consent from the absent parent in order to permit the child to cross the border. This requirement creates practical barriers for families, particularly when the absent parent cannot be located or contacted.
[1] Information provided by a stakeholder, May 2023.
[2] See PMM, Temporary protection, available here
[3] IOM, 2024, Türkiye and Northwest Syria Earthquake Response and Recovery 2023 Achievements Report
[4] AIDA, Resettlement and family reunification departures Türkiye, 20.08.2024, available here.
[5] PMM, Temporary protection, available here.
[6] UNHCR, Bi annual fact sheet, September 2024, available here.