Can I appeal a negative decision?

If your asylum application is rejected, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Administrative Court within 10 days after the decision rejecting your asylum claim was notified to you.

If you did not have a lawyer when you received the decision, the 10 days will start counting after you receive a translation of the decision in a language you understand.

No, but we encourage you to seek legal assistance to help you in this procedure.

You can apply for state legal aid if you cannot afford to pay a lawyer. This means that the Estonian government can nominate and pay for legal assistance for you.

Ask for assistance from the Police and Border Guard Board’s international protection advisers at the asylum-seeker accommodation centre or detention centre to help you by:

• Email: [email protected]
• Tel: +372 612 4642

You can also Contact the Estonian Human Rights Centre by

• Email: [email protected]
• Tel: +372 644 5148 or +372 519 49 015
• Visit the office in person: Ahtri 8, 10151 Tallinn, 6th floor

ATTENTION! Please request an appointment before appearing in person

The Administrative Court can either

• require the Police and Border Guard Board to make a new decision in your case

OR

• confirm the decision made by the Police and Border Guard Board that rejected your application

If the Administrative Court confirms the decision, you can still appeal the judgment to the Circuit Court and potentially to the Supreme Court.

Until a final decision is made by the Police and Border Guard Board or the Estonian courts, you are entitled to stay in Estonia with the asylum-seeker status.

You will have to leave Estonia if your appeal is unsuccessful at all stages. The International Organization for Migration provides support for Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration; you can contact them if you require assistance to return to your home country.