Even though a migration-uncertainty nexus has been widely acknowledged, several of its dimensions are strikingly understudied and under-theorised. This special issue contributes to the debate by focussing on migration movements that are linked to an extraordinary degree of uncertainty: refugee and forced migration. This introductory article highlights key points arising from the contributions. The articles look at both the migrants’ perspective and the perspective of local organisations dealing with refugee and forced migration, including the state. The special issue puts into sharper focus the relevance of further theorisation of uncertainty in migration processes at the local level, as it reveals several dimensions of uncertainty, namely as a fundamental experience, a challenge as well as a governing tool. Furthermore, we are able to bring together the micro- and meso-levels and to substantiate our theoretical contribution with ample empirical material.