International Protection

You may need international protection if you cannot go back to your country because you fear persecution or face a real risk of serious harm.

In Europe, international protection can take different forms: refugee status or subsidiary protection. International protection is also called asylum.

This means, for example, that your life or freedom would be in danger and the authorities of your country won’t protect you from the danger you face.

It is your right to apply for international protection.

Once you have asked the authorities for international protection, your application will be registered on the same day and at the same place by the relevant police department to which you made your application.

Once your application has been registered, you will have to lodge it at the Asylum Department of the Police Force in Humenné / Police Detention Centre for Foreigners in Sečovce or Medveďov, the relevant department of the Foreign Police based on the location of the facility where you are placed on the date and at the time that will be communicated to you during the registration.

The lodging of your application must take place at the latest within 21 days of the date of the registration of your application.

Your fingerprints will be taken.

Your photograph will be taken.

After registration, you will receive an official document stating that your application was made and registered. Once your application has been registered, you will receive an official document stating that you are an applicant for international protection. You must carry it with you at all times.

If you arrived with: • your children under the age of 18, or • children under the age of 18 for whom you are legally responsible they need to apply for international protection too.

As an applicant for international protection, in principle you have the right to stay in the country that is responsible for the examination of your application until the examination is concluded.

The interpreter is free of charge.

The procedure will take up to 6 months from the day of the lodging. Sometimes, the examination can take longer but it should not take more than 21 months.

You can request information and legal counselling by email at shr@shr.sk, or by phone at +421 2 5020 0500.

You can contact and communicate with UNHCR or their partner organisations in any step of the asylum procedure.

UNHCR contact details and information on the asylum procedure can be found on the UNHCR webpage https://help.unhcr.org/.

If you want to return voluntarily, contact the authorities / responsible organisation at the following address: Grösslingová 35, Bratislava, or by phone: +421 2 5263 1597, or by email: iombratislava@iom.int. You may receive counselling as well as assistance for your safe and legal return.