Asylum In Belarus: Application Process Explained

Applying for Asylum in Belarus

Asylum seekers in Belarus are foreign citizens or stateless persons who have approached the state migration authority and applied for asylum but are awaiting a response. Belarus has an asylum procedure in place, and applicants can apply regardless of their legal status in the country. Asylum seekers must apply in person and explicitly state their intention to seek asylum. While applicants can expect confidentiality in their application, they must conform to the laws and regulations of Belarus and cooperate with the authorities.

Who can apply for asylum in Belarus?

An asylum-seeker in Belarus is a foreign citizen or a stateless person who has approached the state migration authority, officially applied for asylum, but has not yet received an answer to their application. It is important to note that citizens of Belarus cannot apply for asylum in their own country.

Foreign citizens who are outside their country of origin and stateless persons outside their country of habitual residence can apply for asylum in Belarus if they fear returning to their home country due to serious risks of mistreatment or persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

When applying for asylum in Belarus, individuals can approach various authorities depending on their circumstances, such as the office of the state migration authority, border guards, or the police. It is recommended to apply for asylum as soon as possible to demonstrate a genuine intention to seek protection in Belarus.

Where to apply for asylum in Belarus?

To apply for asylum in Belarus, you should approach the following in person:

The office of the state migration authority

Namely, the department on citizenship and migration of Minsk city, Minsk region, Brest region, Gomel region, Grodno region, Mogilev region, or Vitebsk region.

The Border Guards

If you are arriving in Belarus, including at a border crossing point, or if you are caught for illegal border crossing or attempting to do so. You can also approach the Border Guards if you are caught for an illegal stay/residence in Belarus.

The authorities of the interior (police)

If you are caught for an illegal stay/residence in the country or if you are detained for the purpose of deportation or expulsion from Belarus.

The administration of the detention facility or investigation body

If you are detained for the purpose of extradition.

In all of these circumstances, you should explicitly state that you want to seek asylum in Belarus, and state officials will then receive your application. It is strongly recommended to apply for asylum as soon as possible as it shows your genuine intention to obtain protection in Belarus.

What documents are required for the asylum application?

To apply for asylum in Belarus, you must be a foreign citizen or a stateless person who has entered the country and is seeking protection from serious risks of mistreatment or fear of persecution upon a return to your country of origin. This could be due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

When applying for asylum in Belarus, you will be required to provide various documents to support your application. Here is a detailed list of the documents you will need:

Identification Documents:

• Passport: Your passport serves as proof of your identity and citizenship. It is essential to have your passport when applying for asylum, as it establishes your nationality and verifies your identity.
• ID Card: This can be a government-issued identification card or any other form of official identification that confirms your identity.

Individual and Status Documents:

• Birth Certificate: This document confirms your date and place of birth, which is essential for establishing your identity and nationality.
• Marriage/Divorce Certificates: If your application includes your spouse or if your marital status is relevant to your claim, you may need to provide proof of marriage or divorce.
• Guardianship Documents: If you are applying with minor children or have legal guardianship of someone, you will need to provide relevant documents.

Educational Documents:

School/University Certificates/Diplomas: These documents verify your educational background and can be crucial if your asylum claim is related to your field of study or the persecution you faced due to your education.

Employment Documents:

Work Certificates/Records: Providing evidence of your previous or current employment can support your application, especially if your occupation or employer is related to your claim.

Membership/Union Cards:

• Political Parties: If your asylum claim is related to your political opinion or activities, membership cards or proof of affiliation with a political party can be essential.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Any documentation that shows your involvement with NGOs, especially if your work with them is relevant to your claim.

Other Official Documentation:

Records from Your Country of Nationality: Any official documents, such as residency permits, tax records, or military service records, issued by the authorities in your country of nationality can support your application.

It is important to note that while providing these documents is crucial, the absence of certain documents is not a cause for the automatic rejection of your claim. The asylum interview is a vital step in the process, where you will have the opportunity to provide detailed explanations and establish the facts of your claim. However, it is in your best interest to gather as much supporting documentation as possible to strengthen your application for asylum in Belarus.

What are the rights and obligations of asylum seekers in Belarus?

Asylum seekers in Belarus have certain rights and obligations they must abide by during their stay.

Rights

Asylum seekers in Belarus have the right to:

• All types of medical treatment for children, and emergency medical treatment for adults, on a par with citizens.
• Education for children from preschool to secondary school, on a par with citizens.
• Work as an adult asylum seeker on the same basis as foreign citizens with permanent residency in Belarus, meaning no special permit is required.
• Protection from forced return to their country of origin or former permanent residence while their application is being processed.
• Exemption from punishment for illegal entry and residence in Belarus, if the asylum seeker entered the country illegally with the intention of seeking asylum and approaches the state migration authority as soon as possible.
• Receive documents for the duration of the asylum procedure, in replacement of their passport or other ID documents which are held by the state migration authority.
• Receive financial assistance from the Government of Belarus to buy food and clothes, and to cover temporary accommodation expenses (applications must be submitted to state migration authorities).
• Be accommodated in a temporary accommodation centre for asylum seekers, subject to availability.

Obligations

Asylum seekers in Belarus are obliged to:

• Respect the laws and regulations of Belarus.
• Undergo a compulsory medical examination and fingerprinting procedure as part of the asylum procedure (both are free of charge).

What are the possible outcomes of the state asylum procedure in Belarus?

There are three possible outcomes of the state asylum procedure in Belarus. These are:

• You are granted refugee status. This comes with a refugee certificate, which confirms your protection status and identifies you. You will also have the right to obtain a permit for permanent residence in Belarus.
• You are granted complementary protection. This comes with a certificate of a beneficiary of complementary protection, which confirms your protection status. Complementary protection gives you the right to a permit for temporary residence for up to 1 year, which is extendable.
• You are rejected in the granting of protection. If your asylum application is rejected, you may submit an appeal to the court. For cases that were reviewed within the ordinary procedure, there are two appeal instances, with 15 days to submit each appeal. For cases that were reviewed within the accelerated procedure (abusive and manifestly unfounded claims), there is only one appeal instance, with 7 days to submit the appeal.

Frequently asked questions