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OnAsylum

Africa

Zambia

Hosts refugees primarily from DRC and other neighboring countries, through a system combining settlement-based hosting with a policy shift toward greater self-reliance in recent years.

At a glance, for someone deciding whether to come here

Not tourist facts — the things that actually shape daily life while your case is pending and after it's decided.

Right to workIncreasingly permitted, especially agricultural self-reliance within settlements.
Cost of living Low Low, with self-reliance depending heavily on land quality and settlement location.
Healthcare while pendingBasic healthcare is provided within settlements by UNHCR and partner agencies.
LanguageEnglish is an official language; local languages vary by settlement region.
Family reunificationGenerally accessible within the registration system.
After you're granted statusLocal integration is possible in some longer-standing settlements, though formal citizenship remains uncommon.
ClimateSubtropical, with a distinct dry and wet season.
Existing communityEstablished DRC refugee community in several settlements, some with decades of continuous presence.
Starter content, pending expert review. This page describes general, publicly known information about how this country's asylum system works. It is not legal advice and may be out of date — policies change often. Last drafted 2026-09-04.

How you could qualify to enter this system

  • Registration with the Commissioner for Refugees and UNHCR, generally at a border reception point

How the process generally works

New arrivals register near the border and are generally allocated to a settlement, where Zambia has increasingly moved toward allowing agricultural self-reliance rather than strict encampment.

Step by step

  1. Register your claim Within 7 days of entering Zambia

    Lodge an application with any authorised officer (immigration, police, or the Commissioner for Refugees).

  2. Report order issued

    Allows you to remain in Zambia while your claim is reviewed.

  3. Eligibility interview

    Preliminary status interview conducted by a COR legal advisor, then referral to a settlement (Meheba, Mayukwayukwa, or Mantapala) or urban registration.

What you'll typically need

  • Any ID available (not always required to register)
  • Details of your situation for registration purposes

Support available while your case is decided

  • UNHCR and partner NGOs operate in settlement areas
  • Land allocation for agriculture in several settlements

Policy has shifted positively toward self-reliance in recent years, but resourcing and services still vary a lot by settlement.

Common pitfalls

  • Missing the 7-day registration deadline after arrival — this is a short window compared to many other countries on this list.

Sources checked for this page