Seeking Asylum While in Detention
If you are detained or otherwise deprived of your liberty in Georgia and wish to apply for asylum, you have the right to do so.
How to apply:
- Write a short letter in a language you understand, clearly stating:
- that you wish to seek asylum in Georgia,
- your full name and where you are detained,
- and the reasons why you are applying.
- Send the letter to the Division of International Protection Issues of the Migration Department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Use the confidential mail system available in the detention facility.
- You may ask social workers or facility staff for help writing or sending your letter.
If you are subject to expulsion or extradition:
- You must be informed, in writing and in a language you understand, that you have the right to apply for asylum and the deadline for doing so.
- You must submit your asylum application within 10 calendar days of receiving this information.
- If you miss this deadline without a valid reason, your application will not be accepted.
If you are in a penitentiary facility:
- You must be informed, in writing and in a language you understand, about:
- your possible expulsion after release,
- your right to apply for asylum,
- and your obligation, if released, to report to the Migration Department within 5 working days and provide your contact details.
- You must submit your asylum application within 10 calendar days of receiving this information.
- If released before a decision is made, you must report to the Migration Department within 5 working days.
After applying:
- The penitentiary or detention facility must forward your application to the Migration Department within 3 working days.
- If you are released and do not appear at the Migration Department or provide your contact details, your case will be terminated.