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After having received basis care, building up a new future is of main importance. Therefore the UNHCR in cooperation with the international community has identified durable solutions answering the problems faced by these groups. In some cases refugees can return back to their home country or they can decide to stay in the country to which they had fled. Considered a durable solution, resettlement in a 'third country' is a lasting welcome for people in need of international protection.
Worldwide some countries are considered to be traditional resettlement countries due to their long standing programmes. Amongst these countries are the United States, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Finland, New Zealand and Denmark.
Invited refugees in the
Netherlands
Since 1997 the Dutch government yearly accepts a defined number of refugees
submitted by the UNHCR for resettlement to the Netherlands. For the period
2008-2011 the Netherlands have committed themselves to accept 2.000 refugees
(500 per year). Since 2005 the government policy with regard to resettlement
is as follows. Dutch missions select groups of refugees in the camps that
have been recognised by UNCHR. Besides group movements individual refugees,
recognised by UNHCR for humanitarian reasons, can be invited to the
Netherlands on an ad hoc basis. Extra attention is given to refugees with
medical problems in need of special medical care and woman at risk.
Logistical assistance by IOM
At the request of the Dutch government IOM has since 1997 been
involved in arranging the actual resettlement to the Netherlands. Trough a
worldwide network in more than 125 countries IOM is capable to provide
services and arrange a safe journey to the Netherlands.
IOM's logistical assistance consists of:
- Advise and support in obtaining the required travel documents; liaison between refugee and the Dutch Embassy or other local authorities.
- Booking of a flight and arranging the ticket.
- Advising on the necessary travel and living conditions (in the Netherlands) for refugees with medical problems.
- Making agreements with air companies for necessary travel conditions (e.g. guidance during the whole journey by (medical) escorts).
- Providing assistance during departure, transit and arrival and request of transit visa waver if required.
- Arranging temporary facilities prior departure if necessary, such as housing, food or clothing.
Humane
migration
IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits
migrants and society. Therefore IOM underlines the need of assisting
migrants by a well prepared resettlement as it contributes towards reducing
their levels of anxiety while it increases the overall chances of successful
integration. The host communities gain benefit through a decreased need to
support the newcomers, while fostering an atmosphere of mutual understanding
and respect among all community members.
