Key Figures
Oct 2015 – 06 Dec 2016
1,950 persons relocated
5,839 places pledged
39,600 target
As of 06 Dec 2016
Over 25,600 potential relocation candidates arrived to Italy by sea since the adoption of the September 2015 EU Council decisions on relocation. However, the number of relocation transfers and pledges remains low, compared to the potential applicants. Furthermore, more people are staying in Italy than in previous years, also due to increased border controls in the northern areas.
According to the latest Eurostat data on decisions, candidates eligible for relocation include citizens of Syria, Eritrea, Yemen, Burundi, Maldives, Oman, Qatar and Stateless. Nationals of the Central African Republic (CAR) no longer meet the 75% eligibility threshold. Iraqi citizens were eligible for relocation until 8 July 2016, but no longer meet the eligibility threshold.
Since September 2015, 1,950 asylum-seekers (5% of the 39,600 target) were relocated from Italy to 18 European countries. While some participating States have showed greater commitment towards relocation, the number of pledges made available continues to be inadequate and implementation remains slow and challenging. UNHCR calls on States to increase pledges, including for unaccompanied and separated children and to speed up the registration and transfers of candidates. In addition, the eligibility threshold should be lowered to include nationalities to benefit from the relocation scheme. Effective relocation is crucial to increasing solidarity and responsibility sharing in Europe, and ensuring the better management of movements, including helping to address irregular secondary movement and reliance on smuggler networks.