Resettlement

Resettlement is an international protection tool which meets the specific needs of refugees and other vulnerable persons of concern. Resettlement is also a durable solution for refugees as well as a demonstration of international solidarity and responsibility-sharing with those countries hosting large numbers of refugees. It gives a chance to begin life anew to many who would otherwise have neither home nor country to call their own.   

IOM works closely with governments, UNHCR, NGOs and other partners, such as airlines and airport authorities, to enable resettlement. In the last decade alone, IOM has organized the resettlement movements of more than 1.19 million refugees and other vulnerable persons of concern from 166 locations around the world.  

Since 2002, IOM has played a crucial role in ensuring the safe arrival of refugees travelling to Norway through the government’s resettlement scheme. Since 2020 IOM Norway has managed IOM’s overall resettlement programme to Norway as the primary interlocuter to the Norwegian Government, assisting to facilitate the movements of more than 10,000 refugees. 

Working closely with the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and IOM missions around the world, IOM supports refugees on their journey to Norway through: 

• Selection mission logistical support (on request from UDI) 

• Case management 

• Pre-migration health activities 

• Visa processes 

• Movement management