Asylum, Humanitarian Visitor Status and Refugee Residence

MexicoHumanitarian protection

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Explore pathways in Mexico Read the five questions ↓

What exactly is this: asylum, temporary protection, humanitarian admission, resettlement or another protection mechanism?

A request for protection as a refugee (refugee status) in Mexico, made through the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR); the process is free and confidential.

See recorded sources

https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
you can request protection as a refugee in Mexico through the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) The process is free and confidential.

Which population, circumstances or geographic group does the mechanism cover?

The mechanism is addressed to people who are afraid to return to their country; the official source does not set out the full protected-ground or nationality rules for refugee recognition.

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

The captured page does not state the complete legal refugee definition or nationality eligibility criteria.

UNHCR Mexico page, Step 2; exact captured text.
If you are afraid to return to your country

Where can protection be requested, and is this a direct application, border/in-country request, referral or other process?

In-country direct application: go to a COMAR office within 30 working days after arrival (if that was not possible, explain why to the authorities); COMAR offices are in Mexico City, Tapachula and Palenque (Chiapas), Tenosique (Tabasco), Oluta (Veracruz), Guadalajara (Jalisco), Tijuana (Baja California), Saltillo (Coahuila) and Monterrey (Nuevo León). From a migration station one can ask to be put in contact with COMAR and apply there; where no COMAR office exists in the state, approach the INM Migration Regulation Offices.

See recorded sources

https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
Go to a COMAR office (Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance) within 30 working days after you arrive. If you couldn’t go in that time, talk to the authorities and explain why.
https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
You can go to a COMAR office in: Mexico City Tapachula and Palenque (Chiapas) Tenosique (Tabasco) Oluta (Veracruz) Guadalajara (Jalisco) Tijuana (Baja California) Saltillo (Coahuila) Monterrey (Nuevo León)
https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
You can also request to be contacted with COMAR from a migration station and submit your application there.
https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
If there is no COMAR office in the state where you are located, approach the Migration Regulation Offices of the National Institute of Migration (INM).

What happens after the request: registration, family handling, major support and rights where officially stated?

The applicant fills out a form (family members present are included in the application; family still in the home country is declared) and receives a CONSTANCIA showing the process has started. Applicants have the right to a temporary CURP; with the CONSTANCIA they can apply at INM for a Visitor Card for Humanitarian Reasons (TVRH), which allows work while awaiting a decision. They have the right to a public lawyer throughout, the right not to be returned while the application is reviewed, and an interpreter if they do not speak Spanish. Obligations: sign in at COMAR or INM on indicated days, stay in the state where they applied (moving requires COMAR authorisation, otherwise the case is considered abandoned), and attend all COMAR interviews.

See recorded sources

https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
If you are with your family, include them in your application. If your family is still in your country, say so. You will receive a CONSTANCIA. It is a paper that shows you have started your process. Keep your original CONSTANCIA safe! As a refugee applicant, you have the right to get a temporary CURP. This document helps you access services and do official paperwork. With your CONSTANCIA, you can apply at INM for a Visitor Card for Humanitarian Reasons (TVRH). This card lets you work while you wait for a decision.
https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
You have the right to a public lawyer during the whole process. ⚠️ You have the right not to be sent back to your country while your application is being reviewed.
https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
If you do not speak Spanish, you have the right to an interpreter.
https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
Go to sign on the days indicated at the COMAR or INM office, depending on where you started your process. Stay in the state where you submitted your application. If you need to move to another state, you must request authorization from COMAR. If you move without permission, your case will be considered abandoned. Attend all interviews requested by COMAR.

Which competent authority, UN body or official assistance channel should the person use?

UNHCR Mexico is an information channel reachable from anywhere in Mexico: toll-free 800 226 8769 or 800 283 2718 (dial +52 first from outside Mexico), WhatsApp +52 55 7005 5950 and +52 55 2535 2950. Applicants without a lawyer can go to an office of the Federal Institute of Public Defense (IFDP).

See recorded sources

Limits of the record

The captured UNHCR page contains no official fraud or scam warning.

https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
If you need more information, contact UNHCR from anywhere in Mexico: 📞 Toll-free number: 800 226 8769 or 800 283 2718 (Outside Mexico, dial +52 first) 📱 WhatsApp: +52 55 7005 5950 and +52 55 2535 2950
https://help.unhcr.org/mexico/en/como-solicitar-la-condicion-de-refugiado-en-mexico/
If you do not have a lawyer, you can go to an office of the Federal Institute of Public Defense (IFDP).

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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Not legal advice. No eligibility verdict or ranking. Check the linked sources before applying.

Asylum, Humanitarian Visitor Status and Refugee Residence

What exactly is this: asylum, temporary protection, humanitarian admission, resettlement or another protection mechanism?

Which population, circumstances or geographic group does the mechanism cover?

Where can protection be requested, and is this a direct application, border/in-country request, referral or other process?

What happens after the request: registration, family handling, major support and rights where officially stated?

Which competent authority, UN body or official assistance channel should the person use?

Your story.Your next step.

Your story.
Your next step.