THAILAND BORDER OPERATION – AUGUST 2016
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION
What is voluntary repatriation (VolRep)?
Voluntary repatriation is a process whereby a refugee returns to his or her country of origin – in
this case, to Myanmar. Returning to one’s country of origin is a basic human right. Any decision to
return should be voluntary; based on an assessment of security conditions in the area of return
and upheld by the principle of human dignity. It is considered to be one of the main durable
solutions promoted by UNHCR for Persons of Concern.
How is a decision made about voluntary repatriation?
There are several considerations to help determine whether voluntary repatriation is suitable.
These considerations include the political and security situation in the country of origin; the
respect for human rights, and the availability of basic services in areas of return. Many actors are
involved in the decision-making process, including UNHCR, governments, non-state actors,
donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and
most importantly---refugees themselves!
Together with the country of origin (Myanmar), the asylum country (Thailand) and the
international community, UNHCR tries to ensure that all concerned stakeholders have a
comprehensive understanding of voluntary repatriation. Some of the ways in which this is done
include consultations with the refugee community, cross-border coordination, and information
sharing through media such as the Thailand-Myanmar Cross Border Web Portal
(http://data.unhcr.org/thailand/regional.php) and printed information like the Media Monitoring
Reports which are available throughout the camp in Blue Boxes and through the Camp
Information Teams (CIT).
When must I decide about returning to Myanmar?
You have a right to return to Myanmar any time that you wish. The decision should be entirely
yours. UNHCR is available to provide information to support your decision-making process.
Will UNHCR help us when we are ready to return home?
Yes, UNHCR will help you return home once you have made a voluntary decision to do so.
What type of support will UNHCR provide?
Support for voluntary repatriation is divided into two parts: Thailand and Myanmar.
In Thailand, UNHCR will offer protection counseling to all refugees who are interested in returning
to Myanmar. UNHCR will also provide a cash grant for all verified refugees holding a VE Card. This
cash grant is meant to support the following: transportation to Myanmar; food costs for 3
months, and initial reintegration expenses (such as buying seeds/tools, shelter materials or rental
costs, school fees, etc.). For individuals with special medical or mobility needs, UNHCR will assess
these needs during the counseling session and will make special arrangements for transport with
IOM.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – www.unhcr.org
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In Myanmar, UNHCR can assist with any challenges that returnees face with accessing civil
documentation (identity cards, birth registration, etc.), or with land and property issues that may
require legal assistance. In addition, UNHCR will help to ensure that returnees have access to
education and health services in areas of return and that they are not discriminated against.
While individuals and families are responsible for their own livelihoods, UNHCR will carry out
small-scale projects to support livelihoods. UNHCR will also continue to advocate with the
Government of Myanmar and donors to increase local development projects in the areas of
return.
What is VolRep protection counseling?
When you express your desire to return to Myanmar, UNHCR will ask you some basic questions.
This is referred to as ‘VolRep protection counseling’. For example, what is the name of the town
or village where you would like to go? What do you know about the security situation in that
place? Do you have specific protection needs or a serious medical condition? Can UNHCR share
your name and other details with the Government of Myanmar? These and other questions will
be asked during the VolRep protection counseling.
What is a VRC?
A Voluntary Repatriation Center (VRC) is a facility that will be established in each of the nine
temporary shelters to support repatriation-related activities. This includes VolRep protection
counseling, the distribution of a repatriation assistance package (both in cash and in-kind), minerisk education sessions as well as information about conditions in the areas of return.
Who will take care of me or my family once I return?
Remember that once you inform UNHCR about your decision to return to Myanmar and depart
from the camp, you will be de-registered meaning that you will no longer be considered a
refugee. When you return to Myanmar, you will be considered a ‘returnee’. As a returnee, you
will fall under Myanmar’s laws and regulations and the support of existing public services. As with
every other returnee context in the world, returnees are expected to be self-reliant, drawing on
individual, family and community resources and support structures to help begin a new life in
Myanmar.
What if I want to stay in Thailand to work?
Currently, the only way to stay in Thailand to work legally is by returning to Myanmar and then
applying to work in Thailand through the established legal pathways.
RESETTLEMENT
Am I entitled to resettlement to another country?
No, resettlement in another country is not a right but a possible solution for those who cannot
return home due to serious protection concerns.
If I don’t want to go back to Myanmar, can I apply for resettlement?
The large-scale group resettlement program for refugees from Myanmar has ended. While
resettlement for certain individuals is on-going, the slots available have reduced and selection is
based on strict protection and vulnerability criteria.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – www.unhcr.org
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Is the Fast Track Provincial Admissions Board (PAB) process for family reunification and family
unity still available?
The Fast Track PAB process for family reunification and family unity cases will end in 2016.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated by the UN General
Assembly to provide international protection to refugees and help them seek and secure
permanent solutions. Today, UNHCR protects and assists more than 55 million people around the
world.
Contacts:
UNHCR Thailand, Information Management Unit [email protected] - Tel: (66) 55 534 840
Links:
Thailand-Myanmar Cross Border Web Portal: www.commonservice.info
Facebook: www.facebook.com/commonservice
www.facebook.com/commonserviceburmese
www.facebook.com/commonservicekaren
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – www.unhcr.org
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