As part of the evaluation process, the Asylum Service will send you a letter inviting you to an interview. The invitation letter will state the time, date, and place of the interview.
If you do not show up on the specified date and time for your interview, your file may be closed. If an emergency arises and you are not able to attend your interview, you must inform the Asylum Service immediately, providing all relevant documentation for the emergency. In such a case, your interview will be rescheduled and you will be notified of the new appointment, which you are obligated to attend.
Your interview will be conducted by a competent officer of the Asylum Service. The purpose of the interview is for the Asylum Service to understand, in detail, the facts that led you to apply for asylum and to give you the opportunity to clarify these events.
At the interview:
- You may choose to have a lawyer to be present. It is not necessary to have a lawyer at this stage, and the government does not provide free legal assistance at this stage. However, it is your right to hire a private lawyer at your own expense. In such a case, you have the right for your lawyer to be present during the interview, but the lawyer is not allowed to intervene.
- If you need an interpreter, the Asylum Service will provide one free of charge. If you cannot understand the interpreter, you must inform the interviewer immediately.
- If you have reasons to request a female or male interviewer and/or interpreter, you may make such a request.
- The role of the interpreter is to accurately interpret your statements to the interviewer and to interpret anything the interviewer asks or says to you. The interpreter is not allowed to intervene in the interview in any other way.
- If you have any concerns about the interpreter, you must inform the interviewer immediately. For this purpose, you have the right to request to speak with the interviewer without the presence of the interpreter.
- You may request a break during the interview if you feel unwell, tired, or distressed, or for any other reason.
- If you have specific needs related to your health, age, or personal circumstances, you should inform the interviewer immediately.
- The interview may last several hours, or not, depending on the complexity of your case. You may be asked detailed questions about your background, your journey, and the reasons you are seeking protection.
- Some questions may be difficult to answer. You are encouraged to share your experiences as fully as you can, but you should inform the interviewer if you feel unable to continue or need a break.
- You may submit documents or other evidence to support your statements if you have them. However, a lack of documents does not automatically mean that your application will be refused.
- The Asylum Service will not contact the authorities of your country of origin regarding your asylum application.
- If you do not understand a question or the interview process, you may ask the interviewer for clarification at any time.
- Special procedures and safeguards apply when children (under 18 years old) are interviewed, in line with their age and best interests. For example, if a child is interviewed, their parent or legal guardian should be present.
- You will have the opportunity to explain in detail the reasons you are applying for asylum and give any evidence and/or documents you may have to support your statements.
- Your statements must be truthful and accurate. The decision will be based on the information you provide in your application and during the interview, together with information about the situation in your country/ habitual residence. Providing false or misleading information may result in your application being refused.
- At the beginning of the interview, the interviewer will ask you to confirm that you completed the application yourself, and that the information in your application is true and correct. This is an important opportunity to clarify or correct any information that is incorrect or inaccurate, and to explain why this has happened.
- Anything you say during the interview is strictly confidential. You are expected to respond in detail and honestly to all questions and to provide all relevant information related to your case.
- At the end of the interview, you have the right to ask for a readback of the interview record. If you believe that any corrections or clarifications are needed, this is the time to request them. Once you are satisfied that the record is accurate, you will be asked to sign it. The interviewer and the interpreter as well as any other person present during your interview will also sign the record.
- After the interview, the Asylum Service will continue examining your application. You may be contacted for additional information or documentation if needed.
Before Your Interview:
- Check your invitation: Make sure you know the date, time, and location of your interview.
- Bring identification: Carry your asylum application documents, ID, and any relevant supporting documents.
- Prepare your story: Think about your journey and reasons for seeking asylum. Be honest and detailed.
- Legal support: You may choose to have a lawyer present. A lawyer is not required, and the government does not provide one at this stage. If you hire a private lawyer, they can attend the interview but cannot speak on your behalf.
- Plan your travel: Ensure you arrive on time. Notify the Asylum Service immediately if an emergency prevents you from attending or if you are late.
- Rest and focus: Try to get a good night’s sleep and eat beforehand; being calm helps you communicate clearly.
- Bring medication: If you take any medication, bring it with you.
During Your Interview:
- Mobile Phone: You will be asked to turn off your mobile phone or put it inflight mode.
- Answer truthfully: Provide honest and complete answers to the questions asked.
- Stay calm: Take your time. It is okay to pause and think before answering.
- Ask for clarifications: If you do not understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat or explain it.
- Document handling: Submit to the interviewer any documents you have that relate to your identity and/ or your case.
- Notes and breaks: You may request a break if needed. You are not permitted to take notes with you during your interview. If you do, the interviewer may ask you to hand them over. However, you will be given a pen and paper for you to take notes during the interview. At the end of the interview, the interviewer may ask you to hand over your notes.
- Legal presence: Your lawyer may be present but cannot intervene or speak for you during the interview.
- Readback: It is recommended that you request a readback of your interview record to ensure that what is recorded accurately reflects what you said.
- Inform of difficulties: Immediately inform the interviewer of any obstacles or difficulties you may have during the interview, such as health issues, fatigue, or need for assistance.