How can I apply for asylum?

Asylum applications are received and registered only at UNHCR’s Office in Algiers.

How to apply for asylum in Algeria?

Send an email to [email protected] including the following information:

  • Name, surname
  • Date and place of birth
  • Sex
  • Nationality
  • Language
  • Date and point of entry in Algeria
  • Current address in Algeria
  • Current telephone number
  • Previous registration with UNHCR in another country
  • The reason why you wish to apply for asylum
  • Names of family members in Algeria, who will accompany you to the interview with UNHCR
  • Date and signature

Please note that all services provided by UNHCR, including registration, asylum interviews and assistance are free of charge.

For more information, contact UNHCR on +213 (0) 23 05 28 53

How does the asylum procedure work in Algeria?

  1. Send an email to [email protected] with your personal information.
  2. UNHCR will contact you to inform about your registration appointment.
  3. During the interview, a UNHCR staff will register your personal information, take a picture of you, scan your iris and take your fingerprints.
  4. UNHCR will give you an asylum-seeker certificate that you will need to keep with you at all times.
  5. UNHCR will contact you for a refugee status determination interview, where you will be asked to give details about the reasons why you are at risk in your country of origin.
  6. If you are recognized as a refugee, you will receive a refugee card. If your application is rejected, UNHCR will explain the reasons and you will be able to submit a written appeal within 30 days.

Please keep in mind that:

  • The process takes several months.
  • All UNHCR services are free of charge.
  • If you do not speak English, French or Arabic, you have the right to request an interpreter free of charge.
  • It is important to inform UNHCR of any changes in your contact information (address, phone number)

UNHCR can close your file if:

  • You don’t attend your first refugee status determination interview and cannot be reached for three weeks.
  • You don’t attend your refugee status determination interview twice, without valid reasons.
  • You don’t attend your notification appointment within 30 days after the date of  the initial appointment.

For more information, contact UNHCR at +213 (0) 23 05 28 53