Resettlement remains out of reach for millions of refugees

According to UNHCR’s latest Projected Global Resettlement Needs report, an estimated 2.4 million refugees worldwide will require resettlement in 2027 because they remain at risk in the countries where they currently live and cannot safely return home. 

Although this represents a six per cent decline from projections for 2026, UNHCR stressed that the reduction reflects mixed realities on the ground rather than broad improvements in conditions. 

Mixed realities 

In Syria, political changes since late 2024 have opened opportunities for some refugees to voluntarily return home despite continued instability.

For Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan, however, declines are linked in part to returns taking place under difficult and adverse circumstances. 

Afghans remain the largest population expected to need resettlement, followed by refugees from South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Rohingya refugees living primarily in Bangladesh, many of whom continue to face acute protection risks and few durable alternatives. 

Regional needs remain highest across Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by Asia and the Pacific, and West and Central Africa. 

Lifeline under pressure 

UNHCR warned that resettlement opportunities are shrinking at a time when humanitarian needs remain severe and millions of refugees continue to face uncertainty. 

Around 37,000 refugees departed through UNHCR-supported resettlement programmes in 2025, a sharp decline from more than 116,000 departures the previous year and only a fraction of those in need. 

The drop leaves the international community off track to meet its target of 130,000 resettlement places by 2027. 

Jackie Keegan, Head of UNHCR’s Durable Solutions and Field Protection Support Service, said the shortfall reflects a “combination of policy changes in destination countries that have led to pauses in admissions, more restrictive criteria and processing backlogs”. 

UNHCR stressed that expanding resettlement remains essential to protect vulnerable refugees, ease pressure on host countries and provide durable solutions for families unable to return home safely. 

Shared responsibility 

Countries hosting the largest refugee populations continue to call for greater international responsibility-sharing as pressure on local systems grows. 

Low- and middle-income countries host nearly 68 per cent of the world’s refugees, stretching public services and resources despite continued efforts to support displaced communities. 

“Expanding resettlement is urgent and achievable. Increasing quotas, bringing more countries on board, and accelerating processing would ensure that this life-saving tool reaches more of those most in need,” Ms. Keegan said. 

Call for action 

Marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention this year, UNHCR called on governments to recommit to refugee protection and expand pathways to durable solutions. 

“Resettlement is not charity, but an enduring solution that helps break the displacement cycle for future generations,” the agency said. 

UNHCR added that refugees who are resettled often contribute economically and socially to their new communities while continuing to support relatives in countries of origin and asylum.