The number of years a refugee spends in a camp may vary tremendously based on the particulars of each person’s case. Some refugees spend roughly 10 years in a camp while others spend significantly more time there until they are granted asylum.
According to UNHCR refugee stats, the average time refugees spend in camps is 17 years. However, it should be noted that this statistic that is often cited in the media was published nine years ago, and a relatively small percentage of refugees worldwide actually live in camps.