UNHCR Registration and Refugee Status Determination in Lebanon

Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is the process used by UNHCR to decide whether someone is a refugee or not.

During your registration interview, you will be interviewed by a UNHCR staff member, who will ask you questions about your basic bio data (name, date and place of birth, etc.), family composition and the reasons why you left your country and feel you cannot return.

Each applicant has a different profile, background, and reason for fleeing his/her country; hence, each case will be assessed individually, according to UNHCR rules and procedures.

The suspension of registration does not affect other country nationals (non-Syrians) in Lebanon who wish to seek asylum. If you are from a country other than Syria and would like to register with UNHCR in Lebanon, you need to request a registration appointment.

As of 5 May 2015, registration for Syrian nationals has been suspended until further notice. This means they can no longer register and receive a registration certificate from UNHCR. Nevertheless, Syrian nationals can contact UNHCR for counselling. UNHCR and The Ministry of Social Affairs continue to register children born in Lebanon to already registered Syrian parent(s) in a joint procedure, to safeguard family unity.

A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country of origin or previous residence because of persecution based on reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

To request an appointment with UNHCR for an interview, please call the UNHCR National Call Center at ?04726111 or approach the nearest Khadamaty (only applicable for those who have an active file with UNHCR).

UNHCR Reception Centers in North, Bekaa, and Tyre are closed as of 1 September 2025.

If you are a refugee residing anywhere in Lebanon, in-person appointments with UNHCR will take place at the UNHCR Beirut Case Processing Center.

Do not approach the Case Processing Center without an appointment—UNHCR will not be able to assist you.

On the day of the interview, you should come with all the family members that you wish to include in your case. You must also bring your identity documents so UNHCR can make a copy if needed.

During your registration interview, you will be interviewed by a UNHCR staff member, who will ask you questions about your basic bio data (name, date and place of birth, etc.), family composition and the reasons why you left your country and feel you cannot return.

During the interview, UNHCR will also take a photo and record your iris scan and/or fingerprints for you and each of your family members.

To keep your file active and updated, you must have a verification interview at least once every 24 months.

Each applicant has a different profile, background, and reason for fleeing his/her country; hence, each case will be assessed individually, according to UNHCR rules and procedures.

If you are recognized as a refugee, you and your eligible dependents will be provided with a UNHCR refugee certificate.

For any other questions about RSD, please contact UNHCR through our National Call Center at ?04726111 or ? the Online Contact Form.

You can always call the UNHCR National Call Center for any questions related to appointments, assistance, or protection concerns.

Attention! All services and assistance of UNHCR and its partners are free of charge!

Beware of individuals who present themselves as lawyer or legal representative, especially if they claim that they have links or connections to UNHCR that would facilitate the processing of your case, as these individuals may be misrepresenting themselves to obtain money from you (i,e. check credentials).

Intentionally misleading UNHCR about the facts of your case or your identity is fraud. Please note that this will negatively affect the processing of your case and may lead to a negative decision.