Identify and address displacement-related barriers during the exit, relocation, and settlement process
In this article, you will find information about barriers that can arise for displaced people as they seek to exit their countries of current residence, relocate, and settle into their new homes. You will also find accommodations and solutions that NGOs, advocates, and governments have developed to address these barriers. Managing organizations can ensure that employers, displaced people, and governments are aware of challenges and using available solutions.
Table of Contents
Exit and relocation related barriers
Securing exit permits
Barrier: Most countries where displaced people live require them to secure an “exit permit”. To receive an exit permit, displaced people may have to pay a fine for any time they spent living in the country irregularly. The process of securing an exit permit can be complex, and the fines can be expensive. If someone fails to secure an exit permit, they will normally be denied permission to exit the country or be banned from further reentry.
“Fixes”: Managing organizations should provide comprehensive information about exit processes early in the visa application process. In some countries, UNHCR has agreements with host Governments to waive exit fees for resettlement or complementary pathways. Managing organizations can help those registered with UNHCR obtain support from UNHCR for a fee waiver.
In many cases the only option available to candidates is to pay the fees in order to obtain exit permission. For more information on financial assistance, visit our article on financing displaced talent mobility.
Costs of exit and relocation
Beyond exit fees, visa applicants may be responsible for numerous costs associated with relocation and settlement into a new country. For more information, see our article on financing displaced talent mobility.
Navigating airports
Barrier: Airline agents and airport personnel may be unfamiliar with Single Journey Travel Documents or other alternative travel documents that are commonly used by displaced people. Airlines can face fines and sanctions for transporting irregular migrants, and they may subject travelers with unconventional travel documents to higher levels of scrutiny. Sometimes travelers are required to secure ‘transit visas’ when they are passing through a country on a layover. Airport personnel in the transit country may also be unfamiliar with travel documents other than national passports
“Fixes”: To help ensure that a displaced person’s travel experience goes as smoothly as possible, managing organizations or legal counsel can provide the traveler with a pre-departure briefing to let them know what to expect at each step of the journey, to review which documents will be asked for at what time and by whom, and ensure that the traveler knows exactly how best to explain their unique circumstances. Managing organizations or legal counsel can also provide the traveler with a letter addressed to airline/airport personnel which explains their situation and the reason for any non-traditional travel documents. When necessary, travelers can make plans to be able to reach their legal representative during transit in case of emergencies. Another option to ensure that travel goes smoothly is to secure a flight through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). IOM has services available to provide accompaniment to refugees during international transit.
Settlement related barriers
Costs of settlement
Settling into a new home has many upfront costs. Employers can help by providing pay advances, sign-on bonuses or pre-covering costs that their new employees are likely to face in their first days in the country. For more information, see our article on financing displaced talent mobility.
Temporary addresses
Barrier: Newcomers to a country often have to complete several appointments in their first days after arrival to establish themselves as new residents. During this time, they may need to receive official mail and provide an official address. This can be a challenge for newcomers who are in temporary accommodation.
“Fixes”: A community supporter, organization, or employer can help newcomers by allowing them to receive mail at their address until a more permanent address is available.
Lack of credit history
Barrier: Newcomers usually do not have a credit history upon arrival. This can make it challenging for them to be approved for leases or secure needed loans.
“Fixes”: Many countries have financial services providers that specialize in providing financial services to migrants and newcomers. Their services may include favorable loan terms and programs designed to help newcomers build credit. Employers, social services agencies, or community sponsorship groups may be able to support newcomers to secure leases by writing letters of support or offering to serve as guarantors on rent in the short term until the family has had a chance to establish their financial stability in the new country.
For more information on loans, visit our article on financing displaced talent mobility.
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