FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to some of the questions most commonly asked by refugees and asylum-seekers in Algeria.

👆 Click on the questions and answers will show.

How do I apply for asylum in Algeria?

You can apply for asylum by email or in person.

By email, send your application to: [email protected]

In person, you can go to the UNHCR office in Algiers:
128, Chemin Bachir Ibrahimi, El Biar
Sunday to Thursday, 08:30-13:00

Your application should include your full name, date and place of birth, sex, nationality, language, date and place of entry into Algeria, current address, phone number, family members with you, and the reasons why you are applying for asylum.

UNHCR will contact you about your registration appointment.

I cannot attend my registration appointment. What should I do?

If you cannot attend your registration appointment, contact UNHCR before the appointment date and explain why.

You can contact UNHCR at:
[email protected]
+213 23 05 28 53 / +213 23 05 28 54

Why have I not been contacted for my asylum interview yet?

There is a long waiting list for asylum interviews. It is normal to wait several months, or sometimes longer, after your registration interview.

UNHCR will contact you when your interview is scheduled.

I cannot attend my asylum interview. What should I do?

If you cannot attend your asylum interview, contact UNHCR before the appointment date and explain why.

You can contact UNHCR at:
[email protected]
+213 23 05 28 53 / +213 23 05 28 54

If you miss the appointment and could not inform UNHCR in advance, contact UNHCR as soon as possible. If you miss several appointments without a valid reason, UNHCR may close your case.

How long does it take to receive a decision on my asylum application?

UNHCR cannot give an exact timeline. The waiting time depends on the number of people waiting, the details of your case, and any specific needs you may have.

UNHCR will contact you when your decision is ready, or if more information or another interview is needed. UNHCR cannot share the result before the review is finished.

If you receive a negative decision, you have the right to appeal within 30 days. Your appeal must explain why you disagree with the decision. If you do not appeal within 30 days, UNHCR will close your file.

If your appeal is rejected, this is usually the final stage. A case can only be reopened in very rare and exceptional situations, if there are new and serious reasons.

How do I renew my UNHCR document?

You do not need an appointment to renew your UNHCR certificate.

Go to the UNHCR office on the day your certificate expires:
128, Chemin Bachir Ibrahimi, El Biar
Sunday to Thursday, 08:30-13:00

Please note that all registered family members must be present for renewal.

What should I do if I lose my UNHCR document?

If you lose your UNHCR document, contact UNHCR as soon as possible and explain what happened.

You can contact UNHCR at:
[email protected]
+213 23 05 28 53 / +213 23 05 28 54

What should I do if I need medical or psychological care?

Refugees and asylum-seekers can go directly to public hospitals and health centres in Algeria. Public health services are free of charge.

If you need medical care, go to the nearest public health centre, EPSP, or polyclinic. If you do not know where to go or have difficulties accessing care, contact the Algerian Red Crescent.

Medical emergency: 0560 00 20 06
Psychosocial support: 0560 00 13 38

Private clinics are not reimbursed, and treatment costs must be paid by the patient.

Can I access support during pregnancy?

Yes. Pregnant women can receive prenatal and postnatal care and safe delivery services through the public health system.

The Algerian Red Crescent can help guide you to the right services.

Yes. If you were receiving treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, malaria, or another infectious disease, inform UNHCR or the Algerian Red Crescent so they can help guide you to the right services.

Testing and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are available through specialized health centres. Services are confidential and free of charge.

If you need medical care, go to the nearest public health centre, EPSP, or polyclinic. If you do not know where to go or have difficulties accessing care, contact the Algerian Red Crescent.

Medical emergency: 0560 00 20 06
Psychosocial support: 0560 00 13 38

Private clinics are not reimbursed, and treatment costs must be paid by the patient.

Can I receive treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, or other infectious diseases?

Testing and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are available through specialized health centres. Services are confidential and free of charge.

If you need medical care, go to the nearest public health centre, EPSP, or polyclinic. If you do not know where to go or have difficulties accessing care, contact the Algerian Red Crescent.

Medical emergency: 0560 00 20 06
Psychosocial support: 0560 00 13 38

Private clinics are not reimbursed, and treatment costs must be paid by the patient.

Does my medical condition affect my asylum application?

No. Your medical file does not affect the review of your asylum application.

A medical condition cannot be used as a reason to receive refugee status or a refugee card.

Can my child attend school in Algeria?

Yes. Public education is free in Algeria for children between 6 and 16 years old.

If you need help enrolling your child in school, contact UNHCR’s education team:
[email protected]

You may need a written request, proof of the child’s education level, a refugee card or asylum-seeker certificate, and photo ID. School enrolment usually takes place before the start of the school year.

How are people selected for cash assistance from UNHCR?

Cash assistance is provided to the most vulnerable refugees and asylum-seekers, based on an assessment of their socio-economic situation.

In some emergency situations, support may be provided after an individual case assessment.

How do I apply for family reunification?

Family reunification is managed by the country where your family member legally lives, not by UNHCR. Your family member abroad must usually start the procedure with the national authorities in that country.

Family reunification is normally limited to close family members, such as a spouse, parent, or child, and depends on the rules of the country concerned.

If you receive a family reunification visa, inform UNHCR at least one month before your planned departure so UNHCR can support with exit procedures.

What support is available for unaccompanied or separated children?

If you are under 18 and in Algeria without your parents or another adult family member, UNHCR and its child protection partner AMANA can help you.

Support may include protection counselling, help accessing school or health services, referrals, and support if you are living on the street or feel unsafe.

Child protection – AMANA:
0558 90 83 76 / 0562 17 38 34

What should I do if I experience sexual or gender-based violence?

If you experience sexual or gender-based violence, you can receive confidential support. You are not alone, and services are free and confidential.

For medical or psychosocial support, contact the Algerian Red Crescent:
Medical emergency: 0560 00 20 06
Psychosocial support: 0560 00 13 38

If you feel unsafe where you live, contact UNHCR or AFAD. In emergency situations, UNHCR may refer survivors to additional support through AFAD.

GBV support – AFAD: 0798 42 45 69
UNHCR: [email protected]

If you want legal support, UNHCR can help you access free legal advice.

Can I apply for resettlement?

No. You cannot apply for resettlement yourself.

Resettlement is when a refugee is transferred from Algeria to another country that agrees to receive them as a refugee. UNHCR identifies cases that may meet the criteria, but resettlement is not a right and only a very small number of refugees are resettled each year.

Resettlement is free. Do not pay anyone who says they can help you get resettled.

If you already have a resettlement case and need an update, contact UNHCR with your case number:
[email protected]
+213 23 05 28 53

How can I report misconduct by UNHCR or partner staff?

All UNHCR and partner services are free. If anyone asks you for money, favours, or gifts in exchange for UNHCR services, report it immediately.

You can also report sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, fraud, corruption, harassment, threats, or other misconduct by UNHCR or partner staff.

You can report confidentially to:
[email protected]
[email protected]

You can also use the UNHCR online complaint form:
https://www.unhcr.org/igo-complaints.html

Please write CONFIDENTIAL in the subject line. Your information will be handled confidentially.