{"id":4091,"date":"2023-02-24T11:49:38","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T11:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/?page_id=4091"},"modified":"2025-08-20T09:10:51","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T09:10:51","slug":"2-definitions-basic-elements-complementary-pathways","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/2-definitions-basic-elements-complementary-pathways\/","title":{"rendered":"2. Definitions and types of complementary pathways"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u00a9 UNHCR\/Ilaria Rapido Ragozzino<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F4F4F4″ custom_padding=”3px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/159\/2024\/12\/Complementary-Pathways_Glossary-of-Key-Terms.pdf” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Master Glossary of Complementary Pathways” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

What are complementary pathways?<\/h2>\n

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Complementary pathways are migration pathways with refugee-specific flexibilities built in that allow refugees and others in need of international protection to access work, study and other opportunities outside of their country of asylum, while their international protection needs are respected. Complementary pathways can also take the shape of programmes created specifically for refugees and others in need of international protection to access opportunities internationally outside of UNHCR-assisted resettlement.<\/p>\n

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Types of complementary pathways<\/h2>\n

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Complementary pathways fall broadly into the following four categories:<\/p>\n

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Rights-\/dependency-based pathways<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

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Pathways programmes, eligibility to which is determined to ensure the individuals effective access to their key human rights, such as the right to family and family unity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Refugees family reunification\/reunion <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

The legal, rights-based and State-provided avenues that allow refugees to access their right to family unity clearly regulated by national, regional and international law. Family reuni\ufb01cation pathways include individuals with close and extended family relations in line with the principle of dependency.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Qualifications-\/skills-based pathways<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Pathways programmes, eligibility to which is determined in line with the applicants’ work and\/or educational qualifications and experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Complementary education pathways\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/h4>\n

Programmes, including scholarships, that facilitate movement of persons in need of international protection to a safe third country where their protection needs are met for the purpose of higher education.<\/p>\n

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Complementary labour\/employment pathways\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n

Programmes or administrative waivers included in programmes that facilitate the movement of persons in need of international protection to a safe third country where their protection needs are met for the purpose of employment.<\/p>\n

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Sponsorship-based pathways<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Pathways programmes involving the purposive identification of individuals in need of international protection by private individuals, entities or organizations, based on previous knowledge of those individuals by the sponsoring entity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Sponsorship pathways <\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n

Pathways in which private individuals, entities or organizations (nomination sponsors) directly engage in admission efforts by identifying, selecting, and supporting the entry and stay of nominated individuals in need of international protection. Sponsorship can often include the provision of financial, emotional, social and\/or settlement support in a third country (an integration tool which UNHCR refers to as “community sponsorship”).<\/p>\n

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Needs-based pathways<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Pathways programmes, eligibility to which is based on humanitarian\/protection needs in the country of asylum, in addition to other potential requirements such as family links.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Humanitarian pathways\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Programmes offering a pathway for admission to individuals in need of international protection through their identification and transfer from the country of asylum to a third country where they can enjoy effective protection. Eligibility criteria for such programmes are decided by States, sometimes jointly with other actors in the receiving country. Eligible individuals may therefore be selected against broader eligibility criteria than those applicable to resettlement which may include general humanitarian needs or links to the receiving country. Admission upon arrival is typically granted on a temporary basis, with the application for asylum to follow that ensures permanence of stay. They are often used as a response to large-scale displacement. Some programmes may rely on humanitarian visas issued prior to departure, allowing beneficiaries to apply for asylum upon arrival.<\/p>\n

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Persons in need of international protection<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Used to encompass in addition to refugees, beneficiaries of complementary forms of protection, temporary protection and stay arrangements, as well as people otherwise in need of international protection. They are similarly situated to refugees and often have equally serious international protection needs, which warrant extending them the same protections, rights and access to solutions as refugees. Any difference in treatment must be objectively and reasonably justifiable so as not to be discriminatory. UNHCR in its Guidance<\/a> on the topic issued in June 2017 outlines that \u201cthe need for international protection arises when a person is outside their own country and unable to return home because they would be at risk there, and their country is unable or unwilling to protect them. This definition follows closely the definition under Article 1(A) of the 1951 Convention<\/a> as well as the expanded definitions considered under regional refugee instruments.<\/p>\n

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Resources<\/h2>\n

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<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Key differences between third-country solutions” url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/159\/2024\/12\/Annex-1_Key-Differences-between-complementary-pathways.pdf” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/complementary-pathways-guidance\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/159\/2024\/12\/Annex-1_Key-Differences-between-complementary-pathways.pdf” link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Complementary pathways unhcr.org page” url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/what-we-do\/build-better-futures\/solutions\/complementary-pathways-admission-third-countries” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/what-we-do\/build-better-futures\/solutions\/complementary-pathways-admission-third-countries” link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”UNHCR Executive Committee Conclusion No. 117″ url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/policy\/exconc\/excom\/2024\/en\/148870″ url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/www.refworld.org\/policy\/exconc\/excom\/2024\/en\/148870″ link_option_url_new_window=”on” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” border_width_top=”4px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Previous<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u00a9 UNHCR\/Ilaria Rapido RagozzinoWhat are complementary pathways?Complementary pathways are migration pathways with refugee-specific flexibilities built in that allow refugees and others in need of international protection to access work, study and other opportunities outside of their country of asylum, while their international protection needs are respected. Complementary pathways can also take the shape of programmes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":5695,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

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Review all key terms and definitions in the Complementary Pathways Glossary of Key Terms<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What are complementary pathways? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Complementary pathways are flexibilities embedded into existent migration systems that refugees can use to access work, study and other opportunities outside their countries of origin or asylum. They can also take the shape of programmes created specifically for refugees outside of resettlement. Through such facilitated avenues, refugees can pursue work or study opportunities, reunite with family and apply for other visas (like partnership or relationship ones, bridging visas, or extensions) just like any migrant - but they consider a refugee\u2019s need for protection against refoulement<\/em> and for durable solutions by including specific safeguards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family reunification is a human right and is considered another type of third-country solution, sitting alongside complementary pathways and resettlement. UNHCR\u2019s roles in family reunification are covered by the Operational Guidelines on UNHCR\u2019s Role in Facilitating Family Reunification for Persons in Need of International Protection. The current document will provide a brief overview of the position represented by the Operational Guidelines but will not contain the Operational Guidelines in their entirety. Colleagues are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the document separately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complementary pathways are distinguished according to specific characteristics:<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Refugees Family Reunification\/Reunion <\/strong>| Legal, rights-based and states-provided avenues that allow the refugees to access their right to family unity clearly regulated by national, regional and international law. Family reunification pathways include individuals with nuclear and extended family relations in line with the principle of dependency.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Humanitarian Pathways <\/strong>| Programmes which offer a pathway for admission to individuals in need of international protection, through their identification and transfer from the country of asylum to a third country where they can enjoy effective protection. Eligibility criteria for such programmes are decided by the States, sometimes jointly with other actors in the receiving country, and are discretionary. Beneficiaries of these programmes may therefore be selected against broader eligibility criteria <\/em><\/strong>than those applicable to resettlement and may include general humanitarian needs or existing links to the receiving country. The admission upon arrival is typically granted on a temporary basis. They are often used as a response to  
large-scale displacement. Some programmes may rely on humanitarian visas issued prior to departure, which allows the beneficiaries to apply for asylum upon arrival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Complementary Education Pathways <\/strong>| Programmes, including scholarships, that facilitate movement of persons in need of international protection to a safe third country for the purpose of higher education, while also having their protection needs met. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complementary Labour\/Employment Pathways <\/strong>| Separate standing programmes or administrative waivers included in the programmes that facilitate persons in need of international protection\u2019 movement to a safe third country for the purpose of employment, while also having their protection needs met. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sponsorship Pathways <\/strong>| Pathways in which private entities or organizations (nomination sponsors) directly engage in admission efforts by identifying, selecting, and supporting the entry and stay of nominated individuals in need of international protection. Sponsorship can often include the provision of financial, emotional, social and\/or settlement support in a third country (an integration tool which UNHCR refers to as community sponsorship). <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A progressive approach to solutions <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A solution is achieved when a durable legal status is obtained which ensures national protection for civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights1<\/sup>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While solutions-oriented, complementary pathways do not always immediately lead refugees directly to a durable solution. Many people arrive in third countries on complementary pathways with a temporary legal status and must navigate different opportunities embedded in visa frameworks to remain longer. The most effective way of ensuring solutions through complementary pathways is by providing people with a machine-readable refugee travel document<\/a>, which protects against refoulement and is renewable in receiving countries. Ideally, refugees will also arrive with permanent residency status - or alternatively, be able to navigate legal avenues to this or to eventual naturalisation. Those with temporary status should have the possibility to extend their current visa, to apply for another type of visa, or to apply for asylum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In all cases, refugees must be provided with clear and timely information around how to navigate these systems.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNHCR calls this the \u201cprogressive approach\u201d to solutions. These pathways to durable solutions will look differently according to the arrangement of domestic visa systems \u2013 as such, it is important to look to each country\u2019s individual migration framework to understand how such pathways operate. UNHCR can support these analyses in concert with legal partners - such as pro-bono law firms \u2013 as a first step in the development of complementary pathways.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who is eligible for complementary pathways and family reunification? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Complementary pathways rely on their own set of selection and eligibility criteria, which differ from resettlement. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n