The pre-departure phase begins after a formal conclusion has been made by the resettlement country and continues until the refugee departs to the resettlement country. The length of this phase varies depending on factors such as logistics regarding travel documents, visas, exit permits, health assessments and available housing in the resettlement country. During this phase, most Member States provide refugees with specific orientation, called pre-departure orientation (PDO) or cultural orientation. By using this time effectively, the refugees can be better prepared for life in the resettlement country.

For refugees, being resettled to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. While resettlement presents the opportunity of a new life and new opportunities, the lack of familiarity with basic features of life in the resettlement country can be stressful. Furthermore, refugees have little choice in this process, which contributes to a feeling of lack of control.

The PDO programme helps refugees develop a greater sense of preparedness and confidence in navigating unfamiliar situations in the receiving country.

In combination with the information given during the identification and selection phases, pre-departure orientation aims at managing refugees’ expectation and to give refugees a clearer idea of what will be expected of them after arrival.  This helps reduce stress and build a solid basis for integration.

Refugees usually receive information that can be summarised into three main areas:

• Knowledge: everything that refugees need to know about the resettlement process and integration in the new country;
• Skills: practical abilities that support refugees after arrival, such as everyday life skills and basic language preparation;
• Attitudes: fostering confidence and a sense of control throughout the resettlement process, while helping refugees prepare for and adapt to new challenges.

A compilation of topics that could be part of a standard PDO can be found in the Operational Tool for Resettlement: Guiding note on pre-departure orientation topics | European Union Agency for Asylum.

Usually, PDO sessions are delivered face to face. If it is not possible to travel to the country of asylum, or if the refugee is unable to attend the session, the organisation of a video-session can be a solution. The Operational Tool for Resettlement Checklist for the organisation of pre-departure and cultural orientation sessions via video link highlights some key aspect to be taken into consideration when planning and conducting a remote PDO session.

The EUAA is offering a training module on the pre-departure phase in the context of resettlement and humanitarian admission. More information can be found here.