Significant Increase in Permits for Refugees
A new report jointly issued by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals a significant increase in the issuance of study, work, family reunification, and sponsorship permits to refugees by OECD countries and Brazil.
Key Findings
- Nearly 215,000 permits were granted to individuals displaced by conflict and crises by 37 OECD countries and Brazil in 2022, marking a 38% increase from 2021.
- Europe accounted for 56% of all permits, while the Americas provided 39%.
- Germany and Canada provided the largest numbers of work, study, and family reunification entry permits to refugees from specific nationalities.
Types of Permits Issued
The report focused on entry permits provided to individuals from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, and Venezuela by OECD countries and Brazil.
Family Reunification
Family reunification permits constituted over 50% of all permits issued in 2022, with work and study permits also showing a steady increase.
Importance of Safe and Legal Pathways
Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, highlighted the significance of complementary admissions in the context of rising global displacement.
Roadmap 2030
- The UNHCR’s Roadmap 2030 envisions expanding third-country solutions to reach 2.1 million complementary admissions by 2030.
- 35% of this target was achieved through progress made in 2022.
The report underscores the importance of improving data collection to inform policy decisions and enhance refugee inclusion in regular migration streams.
It urges sustained collaborative efforts among states and stakeholders to ensure refugees have access to safe and sustainable pathways towards rebuilding their lives.