Applying for asylum

Right to seek asylum in Armenia

Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.” (Article 14 (1))

Constitution of the Republic of Armenia: “Everyone subjected to political persecution shall have the right to seek political asylum in the Republic of Armenia.” (Article 54)
“No one may be deported or extradited to a foreign state, if there is a real danger that such person may be subjected to the death penalty, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in that country.” (Article 55(1))

Persons applying for asylum in Armenia are subject to Armenian national laws and asylum procedures that are in place.

Asylum is a form of legal protection granted to foreign nationals and stateless individuals, along with the rights and freedoms that come with it. It is provided upon recognizing a person as a refugee. Every foreigner or stateless person has the right to seek asylum in Armenia.

The Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia is the competent state authority responsible for implementing the Law on Refugees and Asylum. It conducts asylum procedures and is responsible for decisions on asylum applications, as well as for safeguarding the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees.

For more information, please visit the MCS website at migration.e-gov.am.

You can apply for asylum in writing, orally, in sign language, or any other means of communication at the border crossing points, police stations, the Migration and Citizenship Service, or penitentiary institutions. You have a right to apply for asylum even if you have entered Armenia irregularly. In case of irregular border crossing, you should immediately inform border authorities about your intention to seek asylum in Armenia. Border authorities will guide you further on next steps and further process.

You can also contact the Migration and Citizenship Service, UNHCR, Public Defenders’ Office of the Chamber of Advocates and the Office of the Human Rights Defender, if you need counselling regarding the asylum application (please visit Partners and contact information page for contact details).

Who is an asylum-seeker?

A foreigner or stateless person who is outside their country of nationality or former habitual residence and applies for asylum in the Republic of Armenia (RA) is considered an asylum-seeker until a final decision is made on their asylum application.

You can submit an asylum application to the Migration and Citizenship Service, if:

  • You have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, or
  • Owing to your life, safety, or freedom being threatened by generalized violence, foreign aggression, internal conflicts, massive violation of human rights, or other circumstances, which have seriously disturbed public order.

You, as an asylum-seeker

  • Shall not be subjected to criminal or administrative liability for irregular  entry or irregular stay in Armenia.
  • Shall not be expelled or extradited to a foreign state, if there is a real danger that you may be subjected to death penalty, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in that country.
  • Have the right to stay in the Reception Centre for asylum-seekers, if there are rooms available.
  • Have the right to interpretation and translation free of charge.
  • Have the right to free legal aid for which you need to contact the Public Defender Office of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia Have the right to apply to the Human Rights Defender, if you believe that your rights have been violated by the state, local self-governing bodies or officials, as well as organizations operating in the field of public service.
  • Have the right to contact the UNHCR Representation in Armenia.

Applying for asylum at the Republic of Armenia border crossing points

Please note that you cannot apply for asylum if you are outside Armenia.

You can apply for asylum at the following border crossing points and airports in Armenia:

  • Bavra (Armenia-Georgia land border crossing point)
  • Bagratashen (Armenia-Georgia land border crossing point)
  • Meghri (Armenia-Iran land border crossing point)
  • Ayrum (Armenia-Georgia railway border crossing point)
  • Gogavan (Armenia-Georgia land border crossing point)
  • Zvartnots airport
  • Shirak airport

If you have entered Armenia irregularly and are at any Armenian land or air border crossing point, you may inform border guards about your intention of submitting an asylum application in Armenia. After registering your asylum request, you will be explained how to get to the MCS office and submit an asylum application.

Border Guards will explain to you the procedure of seeking asylum in Armenia and the rights and obligations of asylum-seekers. You will have the right to ask for a lawyer and request contact with UNHCR.

If you are attempting to enter Armenia without a valid travel document or a valid entry permit and wish to seek asylum, the border guards may decide to keep you for up to 72 hours in the reception facility designed for foreign citizens at border crossing point, making relevant clarifications as prescribed by the law. After registering your asylum claim, the border guards will forward your application to the MCS.

In case of necessity, you and your family members will be transported from the border crossing point to the MCS office. If you and your family need accommodation assistance, inform the MCS and if there are free rooms, you will be accommodated in the Reception Center for asylum-seekers.

In case of any questions, you may contact the staff of the MCS, UNHCR, the Armenian Red Cross Society, as well as the offices of the Human Rights Defender and the Public Defender for counselling.

Applying for asylum in detention

You also have the right to apply for asylum in detention facility (prison), if there is a threat to your life and freedom in your country and you need international protection.

You need to submit your application for asylum to the administration of the detention facility (prison) within 15 days of being informed by the authorities about your right to seek asylum. Your application will be transferred to the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS) for processing.

You can also contact the MCS, UNHCR, and the offices of the Human Rights Defender and the Public Defender Office of the Chamber of Advocates of the Republic of Armenia, from the penitentiary institution, if you need counselling regarding the asylum application (see the details in the partners and contact information section).

Applying for asylum in the territory of Armenia

If you have entered the territory of Armenia, then you should visit the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS) of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs to submit your asylum request. You must submit an asylum application form to the MCS. In case of need, the staff member will assist you in filling out the application. The application can be filled in Armenian, your mother language or any language.

If you seek asylum together with your family members, you can submit a joint application filled out by an adult member of your family. However, each family member can file an individual asylum application as well (separate from the joint application).

After submitting an asylum application, the MCS issues an asylum-seeker’s identity card. This document confirms your legal residence in Armenia (see the details in the “Asylum-seeker’s identification documents” section).