OECD-UNHCR Safe Pathways for Refugees V

Reliable evidence and data are critical for informing decision-making and planning around complementary pathways. UNHCR collaborates with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the release of the fifth edition of the “Safe Pathways for Refugees” report series. The study addresses the information gap and contributes to building the evidence base for complementary pathways and family reunification. It also serves as a valuable resource to report on the progress made towards achieving the Roadmap 2030 goal of admitting 2.1 million refugees by 2030. 

As evidenced in the latest edition of the report, the overall permit figures for 2023 were high in both absolute and relative terms. The nearly 255,000 new family, work and study permits issued represent an increase of 14 per cent compared to 2022. As a result of continued growth, 2023 figures surpassed not only pre-pandemic levels but the 2017 peak, reaching the highest number of yearly issuances yet within the overall period of data collection (2010-2023). In addition to this promising finding, the report also analyses figures and trends in destination countries, permit types and nationality to better understand nuances and impact in order to offer conclusions and recommendations to stakeholders, guiding the way forward in scaling access to safe pathways.