Protected: Information for Asylum-Seekers and Refugees in the Kyrgyz Republic 

Your application must include your personal details and a statement explaining why you are seeking protection and cannot return to your country. The application must be written in Kyrgyz or Russian languages. 

If you are not fluent in Kyrgyz or Russian, or are unsure how to prepare the application, you can receive free legal and translation support from the NGO Legal Clinic “Adilet”. Their lawyers can help you write and submit the application correctly. 

If you entered Kyrgyzstan irregularly (without documents or a visa), you will not be punished for illegal entry as long as you report to the authorities without delay and apply for asylum. 

When applying, you should present: 

• Any available identity documents (passport, birth certificate, or other IDs) for yourself and your family members. 
• If you do not have documents, a written explanation of why they are missing (e.g. lost during flight, confiscated). 
• A detailed statement of your fear of return and why you left your country. 
• Any supporting materials, such as police reports, medical records, or other evidence. These can be submitted later if not available immediately. 

Please be informed that the lack of documents does not prevent you from applying. The most important step is to register your claim. Do not delay your application because of missing documents. 

Submit your asylum application at: 
Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration

• Address: 215 Tynystanov Street, Bishkek
• Tel.:+996 (312) 62-13-93 

Once your application is submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration (MLSSM), you will be invited for registration. If you applied through the Legal Clinic “Adilet,” they will forward your application and consult you on registration. 

At the registration: 

• Your personal data and family information will be recorded. 
• You will receive a Certificate of Registration of an Application for Refugee Status. 

This certificate: 

• Allows you to legally stay in Kyrgyzstan during the asylum process. 
• Is valid for 3 months at a time. 
• Must be renewed every 3 months until a final decision is made. 
• Requires you to register your address at your local Population Services Center (ЦОН) within 5 working days. 

Your case will be examined by MLSSM officials, and you will be invited to one or more interviews. You have the right to free interpretation during these sessions. Be honest and consistent—your answers will be used to assess your case. After reviewing your case, MLSSM will issue either a positive or negative decision. 

If your asylum application is rejected, you have 3 months from the date of the decision to file an appeal in court. This process includes: 

1. First Instance Court (District Court in Bishkek) 
2. Appellate Court (City or regional court) 
3. Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic 

You can remain legally in Kyrgyzstan during the entire court process by continuing to renew your asylum-seeker certificate every 3 months. If your final appeal is denied, and you have no other legal status, you may be required to leave the country.  

If you have submitted an application for refugee status in the Kyrgyz Republic, you and your family members have several rights during the processing of your case. These rights apply from the moment your application is officially registered until a final decision is made, including during an appeal. 

Your Rights as an Asylum-Seeker: 

While your asylum application is under consideration, you have the right to: 

• Reside legally in Kyrgyzstan until a final decision is made on your case. 
• Move freely within the country, except in areas closed to foreigners by law. 
• Receive medical assistance in public healthcare facilities. 
• Obtain help locating family members in your country of origin. 
• Return voluntarily to your country of origin if you choose to. 
• Leave Kyrgyzstan to go to another country for residence. 
• Access court protection, including the right to appeal a rejection in court. 
• Receive education, including for your children in public schools. 
• Get interpretation services throughout the asylum procedure. 
• Access the asylum process free of charge – you do not have to pay any government fees at any stage. 

Your Obligations as an Asylum-Seeker: 

In return, you must: 

• Respect the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic. 
• Provide full and accurate information to the Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration (MLSSM) to help assess your case. 
• Follow the rules of living in the assigned place of residence, if one is provided. 
• Undergo medical examinations if requested by health authorities. 
• Cooperate with the authorities during the examination of your asylum application, including helping to verify your story. 

If you are granted refugee status: 

You will receive a Refugee Certificate (ID), which gives you similar rights as foreign permanent residents. 

Your rights include: 

• Living and moving freely across Kyrgyzstan (except military zones). 
• Working without needing a separate work permit. 
• Starting a business or being self-employed. 
• Accessing public healthcare and health insurance. 
• Registering children in schools and universities. 
• Purchasing property (within standard foreigner limits). 
• Receiving civil documents (birth, marriage, etc.). 
• Obtaining a refugee travel document (in development as of 2025). 

Your responsibilities include: 

• Updating MLSSM within 7 days about: 
  • Name changes 
  • Family composition changes 
  • Acquiring another citizenship or residence permit 
• Annual re-registration with MLSSM. 
• Residence registration within 7 days when you move. 
• Following Kyrgyz laws (your refugee status may be revoked in serious criminal cases). 

After 3 years of residence with refugee status, you can apply for citizenship of the Kyrgyz Republic  through a simplified process.