What happens in the registration process?
The registration process is an in-person meeting with PDMM where you apply for international protection (add tooltip), which secures your rights in Türkiye.
(steps to process)
- You will be asked to submit in writing the reasons that made you leave your country.
- You will be asked to provide relevant documents (give examples) in support of your application and copies of these will be taken.
- A separate registration form will be filled in for you and for each member of your family.
- The PDMM officers will record yours and your family members’ fingerprints and take photos of each person. Children under 7 are not required to have their fingerprints taken.
- If you or your family members have any urgent medical needs, disabilities or any special needs, such as being subject to violence or torture you should tell the registering officer.
- You will be given information on your obligations and rights to services in Türkiye.
- You can request to live in a specific province during your application and may be asked to provide reasons for this request.
- Information provided will be read back to you and you will have the opportunity to add or amend missing or wrong information.
- You will be asked to sign the registration form, and you will receive a copy of it.
- Registration can be completed on the day, or you may be given an appointment to come back to complete it later.
What happens after registration?
- You and each family member are issued with an ID document “International Protection Registration Document” (bearing foreigner ID number starting with 99). This document is free of charge.
- You must register your address with Provincial Directorate of Population and Citizenship Services within 20 days after your registration, so communications can be posted to you. Registering your address also allows you access to public services.
Register your address here (link to dept): Nüfus ve Vatandaşlık İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü
- You will be given a date and time for an interview where the Turkish authorities assess your application and determine your status.
- You must report to PDMM on a regular basis and details of this will be given to you by the PDMM officers.
What happens if I do not report to PDMM?
Not complying with the reporting duty without a valid reason for three consecutive times may cause your application to be considered as withdrawn and might lead to a deportation order. If you have a valid reason, e.g. medical problems, you should present relevant documentation to PDMM and inform PDMM
What is UNHCR’s role in the registration process?
Since 10 September 2018, UNHCR has not conducted registration or Refugee Status Determination (RSD) in Türkiye. The Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) is the sole authority for registering and processing asylum applications.
UNHCR provides protection services and counselling and may support vulnerable individuals through referrals and assistance, but it does not make status decisions. With consent, UNHCR may access case information in coordination with national authorities.
For people who previously had RSD interviews with UNHCR, outcomes were communicated, but formal decisions and any appeals are handled by PMM.
Frequently asked questions about registration
I entered Türkiye irregularly. When I approach PDMM, will this be a problem?
According to Law on Foreigners and International Protection, persons who apply for international protection within a reasonable period of time shall not be subjected to criminal action for breaching the terms and conditions of legal entry to Türkiye or illegal staying in Türkiye if they present valid reasons for this.
Which documents should I take to PDMM for international protection application?
While applying individually to PDMM, you can submit any relevant document available to you such as identity card, passport, other travel documents, etc. If you or your family members have urgent medical needs, disability or any special need, you can also submit relevant documents (if you have) while reporting these needs to the officer.
Who can help me with my international protection application?
To get in touch with UNHCR for individual support and assistance, please contact the UNHCR Counselling Line for refugees and asylum-seekers in Türkiye. Our counsellors are trained to counsel you on the procedures, rights and obligations relating to your stay in Türkiye, details on services available in your area, and advice and information relevant to your individual situation.
The UNHCR Counselling Line can be reached on 4444868 . It is available from 9.00 to 17.00 on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 9.00 to 16.00 on Fridays. You can receive counselling in Arabic, Persian, Turkish and English. Counsellors speaking French, Urdu, Kurdish and Somali are available upon request.