Registration in Sana’a

Questions about your rights, obligations and available services in Yemen?

📞 Call the UNHCR helpline in Sana’a

+967 712 225 038

Reliable information for asylum seekers and refugees.

8am — 4pm (Sunday — Wednesday)

8am — 2:30pm (Thursday)

All calls are confidential and you can request a call-back via SMS

For urgent cases where delayed document renewal affects your ability to receive services, contact UNHCR for assistance in expediting the process. All registration services provided by UNHCR and BRA are free of charge.

If you have arrived in Sana’a in Yemen and wish to apply for asylum, you need to:

New arrivals must register directly with the Bureau of Refugee Affairs (BRA). The BRA collects basic information and may contact you later for full registration. Migrants may seek assistance from IOM instead.

What is the Bureau of Refugee Affairs (BRA)?

The BRA provides:

  • Registration and renewal of documents for refugees and asylum-seekers.
  • Replacement of lost or damaged IDs.
  • File transfers between Sana’a and Aden.
  • Registration of children to parents’ cases (requires a birth certificate).
  • Separation or merging of family files.
  • Reactivation of inactive files due to missed appointments.

All services are free of charge.

The BRA registration center is in the IPNA compound, located in the Sabein District, Khawlan Street, Sana’a City.

  • Working hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Can I register my children?

To register children:

  • Provide a birth certificate at the BRA registration centre.
  • If you do not have a birth certificate, approach the Civil Registration Authority (CRA) or seek assistance from a community volunteer or notary.

Listed below are frequently asked questions about asylum or refugee registration process regarding renewal, replacing ID, and updating personal information.⬇️

How do I renew my ID as a refugee or asylum-seeker?

To renew your refugee or asylum-seeker ID:

  • Visit the Bureau of Refugee Affairs (BRA) within the Immigration, Passports, and Naturalization Authority (IPNA).
  • Bring your original expired document.

Where is the Bureau of Refugee Affairs (BRA) located?

The BRA registration center is in the IPNA compound, located in the Sabein District, Khawlan Street, Sana’a City.

  • Working hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

What services does the Bureau of Refugee Affairs (BRA) offer?

The BRA provides:

  • Registration and renewal of documents for refugees and asylum-seekers.
  • Replacement of lost or damaged IDs.
  • File transfers between Sana’a and Aden.
  • Registration of children to parents’ cases (requires a birth certificate).
  • Separation or merging of family files.
  • Reactivation of inactive files due to missed appointments.

All services are free of charge.

How do I replace a lost ID?

To replace a lost ID:

  1. Publish a notice in a local newspaper about the lost ID.
  2. Obtain a police notification confirming the ID is lost.
  3. Submit these documents to the BRA for replacement.

What should I do if my registration file is inactive?

If your file was inactivated because you missed your renewal appointment:

  • Approach the BRA and explain the reason for missing the appointment.
  • If approved, you will receive a new appointment for document renewal.

What if I need to transfer my file from Aden to Sana’a?

  • Submit a file transfer request at the UNHCR Sana’a office.
  • UNHCR will coordinate with the BRA to transfer your file.
  • Once transferred, you can renew your ID at the BRA in Sana’a.

What documents do I need for renewal?

For document renewal, you will need:

  • An Identity Attestation Form signed by your area elder and police station.
  • A Medical Test Form completed at the National Centre for Public Health Laboratory (NCPHL).

These forms will be provided by the BRA. Medical tests are free of charge.

Can I register my children?

Yes. To register children:

  • Provide a birth certificate at the BRA registration centre.
  • If you do not have a birth certificate, approach the Civil Registration Authority (CRA) or seek assistance from a community volunteer or notary.

What if my name or date of birth is incorrect on my ID?

Visit the BRA with supporting documents, such as a birth certificate or other official documents, to request corrections.

Can I receive services with an expired ID?

No, expired IDs prevent access to services. Approach the BRA to renew your documents as soon as possible.

Does UNHCR provide transportation assistance for BRA visits?

No, UNHCR does not cover transportation costs for registration or renewal. If you cannot travel, contact UNHCR to coordinate with the BRA for alternative solutions.

Can I reopen a closed file?

To reopen a file closed due to missed renewals or return to Yemen:

  • Approach the BRA and explain your situation.
  • Reactivation decisions are made by the BRA based on applicable procedures.

How do I update my personal information?

Visit the BRA to update personal details, such as changes to your family status, names, or address.

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