Resettlement in the region

Resettlement in the Nordics and the role of UNHCR

The Nordics are important resettlement countries. A valuable aspect of their resettlement policy is that they provide UNHCR with an emergency quota, allowing for the transfer of refugees within a short time-frame when this is needed, in particular for medical reasons.

The Nordic countries provide a relatively high number of resettlement places every year, compared to the number of inhabitants.

• Denmark: 500
• Finland: 750
• Norway: 1200
• Sweden: 1900

UNHCR in Stockholm monitors the policy developments in the area of reception and integration and does advocacy in relation to resettlement. We also provide advice to UNHCR field offices with regard to asylum and resettlement policies in the Nordic countries and we support the field in following up on individual resettlement and family reunification cases.

UNHCR Regional Office for the Baltic and Nordic Countries does not have a formal role in the resettlement process. Decisions whether or not to submit a resettlement case to one of the Nordic countries is taken by UNHCR field offices, based on the information obtained when interviewing a refugee.The files are then prepared and submitted to the receiving countries, either during a so-called selection mission carried out  by immigration authorities from a resettlement country, or based on an individual written request. Individuals supported for resettlement by UNHCR are recognized as refugees under UNHCR's mandate and deemed eligible according to resettlement guidelines and criteria. They also need to fulfill the criteria of the receiving country.

Resettlement is a durable solution for a very small number of refugees. Nonetheless, resettlement is an important option for refugees whose life, liberty, safety, health or other human rights are at risk in the country where they first sought refuge.