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 2024, 66,876 Syrians had been resettled (since 2016) to the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Switzerland, and Norway.[2] Resettlement numbers remain low in 2023, similar to previous years, 5,198 resettlements in 2023, 550 between January and March 2024[3].
In response to the earthquakes[4], several countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States, increased their intake of refugees from affected areas. 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.
More than 16,800 resettlement submissions were made in 2023, 94 percent of which were from the earthquake region[5]. Afghan cases increased among the referrals for resettlement[6]. By the end of September 2023, a total of 10,200 refugees were resettled[7], nearly 5,000 refugees from the affected areas were resettled, and 1,280 refugees received extended accommodation support[8]. The ICMC-operated Resettlement Support Center in Türkiye has assisted in the resettlement process to the USA, 1,923 were resettled from Türkiye to the USA from 1 October to 31 December 2023[9].
Regarding the complementary pathways, 7 students went to Italy and 2 to Lithuania with scholarships from universities, additionally three refugees left for Canada through labor pathway opportunities[10].
[1] Information provided by a stakeholder, May 2023.
[2] See PMM, Temporary protection, available here
[3] Information shared by a stakeholder, March 2024.
[4] IOM, 2024, Türkiye and Northwest Syria Earthquake Response and Recovery 2023 Achievements Report
[5] UNHCR, Bi annual fact sheet, February 2024, available here
[6] Information provided by a stakeholder, April 2024.
[7] UNHCR Turkiye biannual factsheet, September 2023, available here
[8] IOM, 2024, Türkiye and Northwest Syria Earthquake Response and Recovery 2023 Achievements Report
[9] ICMC, ICMC’s Resettlement Support Centre on Track to Meet Annual Targets, 15 January 2024, available here