UNHCR Opens New Legal Routes for Refugees in Kenya to Reach Third Countries
Nairobi, 5 June 2026
Refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei now have access to legal pathways beyond traditional resettlement, including work schemes and scholarships. Beware: paying agents for placement is fraud.
What Are Complementary Pathways?
For refugees living in Kakuma camp and Kalobeyei settlement in north-west Kenya, the word ‘resettlement’ carries enormous weight. It represents the hope of a safe, stable life in a third country. Yet globally, resettlement numbers remain far below the level of need, meaning that millions of refugees wait for years — sometimes indefinitely — without a formal offer to relocate [GPT]. As of Friday, 5 June 2026, UNHCR Kenya has published updated guidance outlining a set of alternatives known as complementary pathways, which offer additional legal and safe routes to third countries for people who may not qualify for, or be prioritised under, conventional UNHCR resettlement [1].
The Six Main Routes Explained
Understanding each pathway is essential before deciding which one to pursue. Labour mobility schemes, also called employment pathways, grant permanent or temporary residence to qualified refugees in a third country. These are based on concrete job offers from employers or on specific sector labour shortages identified by the destination government [1]. In simple terms, if a country needs workers in a particular field — such as healthcare, agriculture, or construction — and a refugee has the relevant skills or qualifications, they may be considered for that route [1].
Who Is Eligible and How to Apply
One of the most important facts to understand is that eligibility criteria differ from programme to programme. The rules are set by the organisations managing each scheme, working in coordination with the government of the destination country [1]. Some programmes are open to asylum-seekers — that is, people whose refugee status has not yet been formally confirmed — while others are restricted to recognised refugees only [1]. This means that a person’s documentation status in Kenya directly affects which pathways may be available to them at any given time.
A Critical Warning: Do Not Pay Anyone
Alongside the updated guidance on pathways, UNHCR Kenya has issued a clear and urgent warning that must not be overlooked. Refugees are strongly advised never to pay any person or agent who claims they can facilitate resettlement or third-country admission on their behalf [1]. All legitimate complementary pathway programmes are free of charge and are managed through official channels [GPT]. Any individual or group asking for money in exchange for placement on a resettlement list or a complementary pathway programme is operating fraudulently [1]. Victims of such scams not only lose money but may also damage their own official applications. Anyone approached by such individuals should report the matter immediately to UNHCR Kenya staff.
Practical Steps to Take Right Now
For refugees at Kakuma or Kalobeyei who wish to explore these options as of June 2026, the recommended steps are clear. First, visit the UNHCR Help portal for Kenya at help.unhcr.org/kenya/helpful-services/other-ways-for-admission-to-third-countries/ to read the full, current guidance on all available complementary pathway programmes [1]. Second, confirm your current documentation status — whether you hold a recognised refugee certificate or are still an asylum-seeker — as this determines which programmes you may be eligible for [1]. Third, speak directly with a UNHCR Kenya caseworker at the relevant camp office to discuss individual circumstances, including nationality, skills, qualifications, and family connections in third countries, as these factors all affect which pathways are realistic options [1]. No fees are charged at any stage of a legitimate process [GPT].