A recent report jointly issued by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) unveils a significant rise in the issuance of study, work, family reunification, and sponsorship permits to refugees by OECD countries and Brazil.
KEY FINDINGS
Titled “Safe Pathways for Refugees,” the report reveals that nearly 215,000 permits were granted to individuals displaced by conflict and crises in 2022, marking a 38% increase from 2021. This surge follows a trend of steady growth, with approximately 156,000 permits issued in 2021 and about 127,000 in 2020.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Europe accounted for 56% of all permits, while the Americas provided 39%. Germany and Canada emerged as the leading providers of work, study, and family reunification entry permits to refugees from seven nationalities covered in the report.
FOCUS ON FAMILY REUNIFICATION
Family reunification permits constituted over 50% of all permits issued in 2022, underscoring their significance in facilitating refugee resettlement. Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, emphasized the importance of these permits, stating that they are not only a human right but also crucial for refugees’ integration and well-being.
TOWARD SAFE AND LEGAL PATHWAYS
The report aligns with UNHCR’s Roadmap 2030, which aims to expand third-country solutions and reach 2.1 million complementary admissions by 2030. It emphasizes the need for improved data collection, policy decisions informed by data, and collaborative efforts among states and stakeholders to ensure refugees have access to safe and sustainable pathways for rebuilding their lives.
The surge in entry permits for refugees reflects a positive trend in facilitating refugee integration and protection. As the international community strives to address the global displacement crisis, safe and legal pathways play a crucial role in providing opportunities for refugees to contribute to their new communities and rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
