New legal changes – Leaflet #2 on Changes in the Law_for status holders
Rights and Obligations of Asylum-Seekers in Georgia
As an asylum-seeker, you have the right:
- As an asylum-seeker, you have the right to remain lawfully in Georgia while the Ministry decides on the admissibility of your application. If your application is declared admissible, you may stay until a final decision is made on your case, including any court appeal. However, if your application is declared inadmissible or rejected in an accelerated procedure, you will not be considered an asylum-seeker and may be expelled even if you appeal
- To receive information, in a language you understand, about your rights, obligations, and the asylum process from the Ministry and UNHCR.
- To be interviewed individually by a trained official and, if you request, by an interviewer and interpreter of your preferred gender, where possible.
- To receive free interpretation throughout the asylum procedure.
- To receive free legal aid during court proceedings if your application has passed the admissibility stage and is examined under the regular procedure (this right does not apply if your application is declared inadmissible or rejected in an accelerated procedure).
- If your application is found admissible, to request accommodation in a reception center while your application is under review, subject to availability and established conditions.
- To receive:
- a confirmation that your application has been registered,
- a certificate and temporary identification card, if your application is deemed admissible.
- To withdraw your application for international protection at any time, voluntarily.
- To be exempt from court fees during appeals if your application has passed the admissibility stage and is examined under the regular procedure (this exemption does not apply if your application is declared inadmissible or rejected in an accelerated procedure).
- To work, including through self-employment, once your application has been declared admissible and you have received your asylum-seeker certificate.
- This does not apply to individuals whose claims have been declared inadmissible.
- To access healthcare services provided under public programmes on the same basis as citizens, with exceptions set by law.
- To attend preschool and general education under the same conditions as citizens, and to apply for vocational and higher education.
- To file a complaint with the Public Defender of Georgia if your rights are violated – Hotline: 14 81
- To contact UNHCR and its partners for support and guidance
UNHCR Representation in Georgia
📍 Address: 2a Kazbegi Avenue, 0160, Tbilisi, Georgia
📞 Phone: (+995 32) 2 185 123
📧 Email: [email protected]
Rights Georgia (UNHCR’s legal partner)
📍 Address: 11 Akaki Gakhokidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia
📞 Phone: (+995) 593 111 405
📧 Email: [email protected]
World Vision (UNHCR’s social partner)
📍 Address: 67b Zhiuli Shartava Str., Tbilisi, Georgia
📞 Phone: (+995) 577045645
📧 Email: [email protected]
- To communicate with administrative bodies and courts in accordance with Georgian law.
Important: You are recognised as an asylum-seeker only after your application is declared admissible. Until then, you receive a document confirming that your request has been registered, but you do not yet have access to the above rights.
As an asylum-seeker, you have the obligation:
- To comply with the Constitution, laws, and regulations of Georgia, including those governing international protection.
- To respect local customs, culture and traditions.
- Not to leave the territory of Georgia while your asylum application is being reviewed.
- To cooperate fully and truthfully during the asylum procedure, including providing details about your identity, nationality, country of origin or residence, travel route, and the reasons why you are seeking protection.
- To submit all available supporting documents and information as early as possible.
- To hand over your travel document, if you have one, upon receiving the asylum-seeker certificate.
- To provide your current address, telephone number and email, and to inform the authorities within 3 working days of any changes (failure to do so will result in termination of your application).
- To attend interviews and other required procedures. If you fail to attend twice without a valid reason, your case may be closed.
- To have your photograph and fingerprints taken, and to undergo a medical examination if required.
- To follow the rules of the reception centre, if you are staying there.
- To respond to requests and attend scheduled appointments within the specified timeframes, and to participate in the process in good faith.