Protected: Information for Asylum-Seekers and Refugees in Turkmenistan

If you are seeking asylum in Turkmenistan, you need to submit your asylum application in writing. You can apply: 

• In person or through an authorized representative at the State Migration Service in the place where you are staying; 
• At an official border crossing, to the State Migration Service when you arrive in the country; 
• If you entered Turkmenistan irregularly (without valid documents) due to forced displacement, directly to the State Border Service. 

Note: Even if you don’t have identity documents, this is not a reason to refuse your application. 

If you want to apply for asylum, please contact State Migration Service or their nearest office to your location through the following: 

➡️ Ashgabat 

Address: Ashgabat, 18 Bitarap Turkmenistan Ave.
Phone number: 📞 +993 12 38 0011 

➡️ Mary Province 

Address: Mary city, 9 Mollanepes St.
Phone number: 📞 +993 52 26 0291 

➡️ Lebap Province 

Address: Chardzhev District, Gengeshlik Boyrabap, Hodzhamirsen village, 2 Ceyhun St.
Phone number: 📞 +993 42 22 0810 

➡️ Akhal Province 

Address: Ak Bugday District, Annau city, 16 Vellekov St.
Phone number: 📞 +993 137 33-1-84 

➡️ Balkan Province 

Address: Balkanabat city, Apt. 146, 42, Annaev St.
Phone number: 📞 +993 22 26 0527 

➡️ Dashoguz Province 

Address: Dashoguz city, 20 Al-Khwarizmi St.
Phone number: 📞 +993 32 25 5829 

Step 1: Receive a temporary certificate
After you submit your application, you will receive a temporary certificate of registration. This document: 

• Confirms your legal stay in Turkmenistan; 
• Allows you to access services and remain in the country while your application is being reviewed. 

Step 2: Participate in the review process 

• You will receive information about your rights, duties, and the asylum process; 
• You have the right to a free of charge  interpreter for matters related to your asylum procedure; 
• You may be asked to undergo a medical examination; 
• Unaccompanied children will be supported by child protection authorities. 

Step 3: Decision on Your Asylum Application 

• You will receive a decision within three months after your application is registered. 
• In some cases, if further review is required, the decision may take up to one year. 

If your application is rejected, you will receive a written notification. 
You have the right to appeal against the decision in court within one month of the date you receive the notice. 
While your appeal is under review, you are still protected from being forcibly returned to your country of origin. 

According to the national Law on Refugees, as an asylum-seeker, you have the right to: 

• Free interpretation and legal help for your asylum case; 
• Temporary housing, food, medical services, and education for your children; 
• Work opportunities at the temporary accommodation site; 
• Free transportation to the accommodation site; 
• Family reunification; 
• Judicial protection and legal representation; 
• Voluntary return to your home country or relocation to another country. 

Your responsibilities include: 

• Respecting Turkmenistan’s Constitution, laws, and national traditions; 
• Following the rules in the accommodation site; 
• Providing the necessary information for your asylum application; 
• Registering at the accommodation site within three working days after receiving your referral; 
• Informing the authorities if you plan to leave Turkmenistan permanently.

According to the Law on Refugees of Turkmenistan, recognized refugees in Turkmenistan have rights and responsibilities. 

As a recognized refugee you have the right to: 

• Stay in Turkmenistan and live safely without fear of being returned to your home country; 
• Receive a refugee certificate and, if needed, a travel document for international travel; 
• Live in temporary housing if needed and receive food and medical care; 
• Work and support yourself and your family; 
• Access free preschool, primary, and secondary education for your children; 
• Reunite with family members (spouse, children, dependent parents); 
• Receive free legal assistance and judicial protection; 
• Voluntarily return to your home country or relocate to a third country. 

Your responsibilities as a refugee include: 

• Respecting the laws, Constitution, and national traditions of Turkmenistan; 
• Following the rules at the temporary accommodation center if you are staying there; 
• Registering your place of residence with the Migration Service; 
• Cooperating with authorities and providing accurate information when requested.