Applying for asylum

Who is considered a refugee?

According to the Russian legislation and the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, a refugee is defined as someone outside of his/her country of origin who is unable to return there because of persecution on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.

If you consider yourself to be a refugee, you should approach the Russian migration authorities to apply for a refugee status in the Russian Federation.

If you do not meet the refugee definition but cannot return to your country of origin due to war, violence or any other humanitarian reasons (e.g. serious health issues), you have the right to apply for a temporary asylum (TA).