Announcement on resettlement

Resettlement can be a life-changing durable solution for refugees who are at risk, and it is understandable that refugees would like to know more about the resettlement process. To counter the spread of misinformation and ensure refugees are provided with the correct information, UNHCR would like to share the following explanations regarding the resettlement to third countries.

During the past years, changes in global politics, and migration and asylum policies have regrettably resulted in a decrease in the number of resettlement places for refugees around the world.  The number of resettlement places for refugees in Iran is also at an all-time low.

Contrary to some of UNHCR services, resettlement is not an application-based process, and recognition of refugee status does not necessarily mean that a refugee will be referred for resettlement. It is also not a right.

There are only a few countries that offer very limited resettlement places to UNHCR each year and it is these countries that decide about the selection criteria for refugees. Few refugees meet the strict criteria for submission to resettlement countries – less than 1% of all refugees around the world are resettled. UNHCR only facilitates the process of submission and departure of resettled individuals.

You may contact the UNHCR hotlines related to your location to raise your protection concerns and receive advice on the available services and support offered by UNHCR.

Please note that all services of UNHCR are free of charge and anyone requesting payment for resettlement or any other services, has committed fraud. Do not make any payment in exchange for UNHCR services and immediately report the issue to UNHCR.

You can report any fraud and/or complaints, as well as give us feedback, via one of the methods mentioned below:

• Contacting the hotline of UNHCR Offices:
  • Tehran: (021) 88212520
  • Esfahan: (031) 34442841 – 34414201
  • Mashhad: (051) 37685641
  • Kerman: (034) 32476850 – 32476851
  • Shiraz: (071) 37229692
• Dropping a note in the complaint mailboxes in front of UNHCR offices
• Sending an email to [email protected] or [email protected]

In addition to the above, you could use the below email to report misconduct by UNHCR personnel, partner staff, or vendors/contractors including fraud, directly to the Inspector General’s Office at UNHCR Headquarters:  [email protected].

Please do not consider fake news for resettlement on social media. To receive the latest updates, please only refer to the official UNHCR Iran website https://www.unhcr.org/ir/fa/