Understanding Refugee Resettlement: RAMP Delegation Visits Cairo
A delegation of RAMP parliamentarians recently visited Cairo to gain firsthand insight into UK refugee resettlement efforts facilitated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The delegation consisted of RAMP Principals Tony Vaughan MP and Tim Farron MP and RAMP Associates Lord German and Baroness Mobarik and aimed to equip parliamentarians with information on the processes involved in selecting and transferring refugees to the UK and to engage directly with refugee families preparing for resettlement.
This visit forms part of a broader effort to understand safe routes to the UK and the refugee journey.
Key Engagements in Cairo
During their visit, the parliamentarians participated in multiple engagements to deepen their understanding of the refugee resettlement process. They met with refugees, allowing for direct conversations about their personal experiences, the challenges they face, and their hopes for the future.
One of the key sessions was a resettlement briefing with UNHCR, which outlined how refugees are identified for resettlement, the case processing system, and the selection criteria used. A roundtable discussion was also held with UK resettlement candidates, providing parliamentarians with the opportunity to hear from three refugee families who are preparing to relocate to the UK.
Additionally, the delegation visited Saint Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS), a partner organisation of UNHCR that provides vital support to vulnerable refugee groups, including unaccompanied minors. A focus group session was held with refugee youth representatives who spoke about the challenges they face and the assistance they require.
Medical and Cultural Preparation for Resettlement
Another part of the programme was a brief on the activities run by IOM, the UN Migration Agency, to ensure the safe arrival of refugees resettled to the UK, as well to support their integration in the UK.
Parliamentarians visited IOM’s Medical Health Assessment Centre, where refugees undergo essential medical screenings before resettlement. These screenings include diagnostics, physical and mental health assessments, and pre-travel medical checks to ensure that individuals meet the necessary health requirements to travel and that any specific needs can be addressed.
Parliamentarians also observed pre-departure cultural orientation activities, which are designed to help refugees transition smoothly into life in the UK. These sessions, delivered over three days, cover key topics such as housing, employment, education, healthcare, and cultural adaptation. Child-friendly sessions are specifically tailored to help young refugees understand what to expect in their new home. This pre-departure cultural orientation is developed in consultation with the UK Home Office, local authorities, and refugees themselves, and plays a crucial role in setting realistic expectations and equipping families with the knowledge they need to integrate successfully.
There were also discussions with officials from UNHCR and IOM to cover broader migration policy issues, political contexts, and how international cooperation can improve resettlement outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Following their visit to Cairo, the parliamentarians will continue their engagement with the resettlement process by meeting families who have successfully relocated to the UK to assess how well-resettled refugees are adjusting.
