Protected: Information for Asylum-Seekers and Refugees in Tajikistan

Under Tajikistan’s national legislation, if you are seeking asylum (refugee status), you must submit a written application in person. 

You can do this: 

• If you entered Tajikistan legally: submit your written application to the Department on Citizenship and Work with Refugees (DCWR) under the Passport Registration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within one month of arrival. 
• If you crossed the border irregularly: you must report to the State Border Protection bodies within 24 hours. They will forward your application to the Passport Registration Service within three days. 
• If you cannot apply in person due to health reasons, an authorized representative may apply on your behalf (a medical certificate is required). 

Note: All foreign nationals must register with the local police (Department of Internal Affairs of the Passport Registration Service – PRS) within three working days of arrival in Tajikistan. This is separate from the asylum application. Failure to do so may result in an administrative fine. 

You can submit your asylum application at the following locations: 

• Dushanbe:
  Department on Citizenship and Work with Refugees,
  2 Abai Street, Dushanbe
  Tel.: +992 37 233 31 11, +992 37 233 31 12 

• Khujand (Sughd region):
  Passport Registration Service,
  120 Firdausi Street, Khujand
  Tel.: +992 34 834 22 66 734 

At the border: if you are at a checkpoint, you may express your intention to seek asylum directly to border authorities. They are required to forward your application to the competent refugee authority. 

You will need to submit the following: 

• A written application (no special form is required) 
• Two color photographs (3×4 cm) for each family member above 16 
• Passport and other available identity documents (and copies) 
• Certificate from your current place of residence in Tajikistan 
• Medical certificate, including HIV test results (can be obtained at 33 Sanoi Street, Dushanbe) 
• Receipt of official state fee. 

If any of these documents are missing, please contact UNHCR or its legal partner “Inson va Adolat” for assistance. 

Step 1: Registration and Temporary Certificate 

Once your application is submitted, the authorities will decide within 10 working days whether to register your claim. If accepted, you will receive an Asylum-Seeker Certificate, valid for 3 months and renewable if a decision on your case takes longer. 

Step 2: Refugee Status Determination Interview 

You will be invited for an interview with an official from the Department on Citizenship and Work with Refugees. Each adult family member will be interviewed separately. You should tell the truth and explain clearly the reasons you fled your country and your fear of returning there. Interpretation will be provided if needed. 

Step 3: Decision on Your Application 

The decision on your refugee status must be made within 6 months from the date your application was registered. If your application is approved, you will receive a Refugee Certificate. 

If your application is rejected: 

• You will receive a written notice with reasons for rejection within 5 working days. 
• You have the right to appeal the decision within 1 month to the Sino District Court in Dushanbe. 
• The judicial system of Tajikistan consists of three levels of jurisdiction – your case may be reviewed by three levels of court. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in Tajikistan. Its decisions are final and not subject to further appeal. 
• You may remain in Tajikistan while your appeal is being reviewed. A new certificate will be issued for this period. 
• You can approach UNHCR legal partner Inson va Adolat for free of charge legal assistance. 

As an asylum-seeker, you have the following rights under Tajik law: 

• To stay legally in Tajikistan while your asylum application is being reviewed. 
• To be protected from deportation during the process. 
• To live in permitted areas of the country, as listed in Government Resolution No. 325. 
• To access emergency medical assistance in state healthcare institutions. 
• To enroll your children in primary and secondary schools. 
• To work or engage in self-employment in line with national legislation. 

You also have the following responsibilities: 

• Follow all laws of the Republic of Tajikistan. 
• Settle in an approved area within 72 hours after receiving instructions from the Passport Registration Service. 
• Register your address with the local internal affairs office in your place of residence. 
• Undergo any required medical examinations. 
• Cooperate with the authorities by providing all necessary information for your asylum claim. 
• Inform the Department on Citizenship and Work with Refugees (DCWR) immediately if your personal information or place of residence changes. 

If you are granted refugee status, you and your family have the right to: 

• Reside legally in Tajikistan as long as you are recognized as a refugee. 
• Choose your place of residence in areas permitted by Resolution No. 325. 
• Live independently or in the family of a Tajik citizen or in the family of a foreign citizen or stateless person permanently residing in the Republic of Tajikistan  in an allowed area. 
• Receive healthcare, seek employment, or start a business in accordance with the law of Tajikistan. 
• Enroll your children in school and continue education yourself. 
• Request help in finding family members in your country of origin. 
• Request assistance in obtaining exit and entry visa (in absence of issuance of travel documents) for exiting and re-entering Tajikistan. 
• Take part in government and/or NGO-run integration programs. 
• Apply for a permanent residence permit or citizenship (based on general grounds). 
• Voluntarily return to your country of origin or move to a third country. 
• Enjoy most of the same rights as foreign nationals and stateless people in Tajikistan. 

Your responsibilities as a refugee include: 

• Obey all laws and regulations of Tajikistan. 
• If settling independently, register with the local internal affairs office within 3 working days of receiving your refugee certificate. 
• If assigned to a temporary settlement, move there within 3 working days and register with local authorities. 
• Report changes in your name, marital status, or family composition within one week. 
• Notify the authorities if you plan to change your place of residence. 
• De-register at your current address and register at the new one within 3 working days of moving. 
• Complete annual re-registration within the deadlines set by the authorities. 
• Fulfill any additional duties required by the national law.