EU Relocation: What is it and can Caritas help?

There is often confusion and misinformation surrounding relocation within the EU, especially regarding asylum seekers and refugees. Some of these rumors are based on exaggerations, while others are entirely false. Let’s take a moment to clear up the facts.

Relocation of asylum seekers can refer to three different processes: the Dublin Procedure, the Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM), and resettlement by the UNHCR. In Cyprus, the first two are the most relevant.

A common question we receive is whether asylum seekers can apply for relocation to another EU country if they have relatives—like a sibling or an uncle—living there. The simple answer is no. The Dublin Regulation requires EU countries to take in an asylum seeker only under specific circumstances: if the person is a minor with parents living in another EU state, if they are a parent of a minor residing there, or if they are married to someone in that country. So, having a more distant relative in another EU country does not meet the criteria.

Most people relocated to other EU countries, however, do not fall under the Dublin Regulation. Instead, they are moved through the European Union’s Voluntary Solidarity Mechanism (VSM). This program allows certain EU member states to volunteer to take in a set number of asylum seekers from countries like Cyprus, which receive a higher number of applications.

Because the VSM is voluntary, the selection criteria are not publicly available, and there is no formal application process. There is no way to directly apply for it.

Finally, it’s important to note that, like the VSM, it’s not possible to apply for resettlement through UNHCR. The UNHCR selects candidates from recognized refugees who meet their criteria, such as being at risk of refoulement, among other factors. In fact, it can be said that resettlement through the UNHCR is not carried out in Cyprus, as the UNHCR’s public records show no submissions from Cyprus in over a decade.

If you are still unsure about your options or have specific questions, feel free to reach out to our Help Line for guidance. We’re here to help!