Refugee resettlement process set to delay - US Government says


REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROCESS IS SET TO DELAY FURTHER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEARS.

 In a statement issued by the US Government and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees – UNHCR in Kenya indicated a further delay yet to happen in the resettlement process as of the beginning of next year 2018.  

 The statement read
“The US Government has resumed resettlement processing activities. However, the process of the refugee applications may take longer than in previous years due to reduced world-wide admission targets as well as additional screening requirements. These changes to the application process are likely to result in a delay of the final decision for all resettlement cases.
As the previous Executive Orders pausing resettlement have expired, there is no further need to provide evidence of a bona-fide relationship in the United States. However, pursuant to a new Executive Order, issued October 24, 2017, the United States Government is currently undertaking a further examination on the security vetting procedures for 11 nationalities (which includes, among others, Somalis). The final procedures for these cases will not be set until early in 2018. RSC Africa will contact the refugee applicant if additional information is required or when they are scheduled for the next stage of processing.

Accordingly, the US Government will temporarily prioritize the process of the refugee applications already in the pipeline from other nationalities. Processing of all refugees will be slower but refugee processing from the 11 countries will occur at an even slower pace. Further, in light of the reduced new submissions to concentrate on their pending cases.
In meeting with refugees, the US has stressed that resettlement is not a right. Further, with the longer process, the US urged all in the process to use additional time productively including, but not limited to, taking actions to reduce protection risks and further capacitating oneself with skills training and English language acquisition.
The UNHCR and the US warn all refugees to be careful of those who promise that they can make the process faster in exchange for money. This is certain to be fraudulent and under certain circumstances, where the refugee knowingly participates, could result in the denial of the pending application and other sanctions.

As this situation is changing frequently, UNHCR will try to keep the refugee community apprised of important changes.”

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