What is important to know?
- If you are detained, under criminal prosecution, subject to extradition, or entering Armenia irregularly (e.g., having entered the country without valid documents), the competent official must, within 24 hours of your detention or any restriction on your freedom, inform you in writing of your right to seek asylum and assist you to submit your application.
- You should express your intention of seeking asylum to the administration of the penitentiary institution, which will then refer your asylum application to the Migration and Citizenship Service (MCS). You must submit your application within 15 days from the moment you are informed of your right to apply for asylum.
- An asylum application can also be submitted in cases of irregular entry to Armenia (without proper travel documents). In such situations, you should approach the prison administration and inform them about your intention to seek asylum in Armenia without delay, if you have not already approached other state authorities (border guards, police, the MCS).
- You can apply through the prison administration to the Office of Public Defender of the Chamber of Advocates of RA, requesting to provide you with free legal aid.
- You should participate in the interview conducted by the competent state bodies, including the prison administration.
- The MCS must examine your asylum application within three months of its registration. This deadline is final and cannot be extended.
- If your application is rejected, you may appeal the decision to the administrative court within one month. While the appeal is pending, you will continue to be considered an asylum-seeker and retain all related rights. No cassation appeal is available for these cases. All information provided during the interview is confidential and will not be shared with the authorities of your country of origin or any third party under any circumstances, unless you give written consent.
- You are expected to comply with Armenian law throughout the asylum procedure.