UNHCR Russia
If you require an individual consultation, you may use the click to call feature on our website. The call is free of charge.
Call operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
If you are in Russia and face an emergency outside working hours, please send an email to [email protected], providing your name, country of origin, contact telephone number, and a brief description of your situation.
Please note that UNHCR staff do not receive applicants at the premises of the UNHCR Representation Office in the Russian Federation.
If you require a consultation with a UNHCR staff member in Russia, please indicate this during a call made through the website, in your email, or through a UNHCR partner.
Emergency services in Russia:
Fire Service – 101
Police – 102
Medical Service – 103
Unified Rescue Service – 112
Role of UNHCR in Russia
Russia is a party to the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Therefore, the Government has the responsibility to process asylum claims and to decide whether a person can be given legal protection in Russia.
Please note that UNHCR in Russia:
- Does not register refugees.
- Does not examine asylum applications.
- Does not issue refugee documents or any documents to stateless people– these issues fall under the responsibility of relevant migration authorities of Russia.
- Does not provide shelter and/or regular financial/humanitarian assistance.
- Does not assist individuals seeking to come to Russia.
- Does not assist individuals staying outside Russia.
- Does not help Russian nationals to leave Russia and seek asylum.
- There are no resettlement programs in Russia.
UNHCR in Russia cooperates with the Government and non-governmental organizations to improve protection of asylum-seekers, refugees and stateless people in Russia. Through its partner organizations, UNHCR in Russia supports legal counselling and assistance on the asylum procedure, protection from refoulement, integration and access to rights. Due to the drastic cut in funding provided to UNHCR Russia, free legal assistance may not be available in all regions of the Russian Federation.
Any person or organization offering access to UNHCR and partner organization services for money or favours should be reported to UNHCR immediately.