Know your rights under international law. Available in 54 languages with step-by-step guidance.
No country can return you to a place where you face serious risk to your life or freedom. This is the most fundamental protection in international refugee law and cannot be waived.
Everyone has the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in other countries. You cannot be penalized for entering a country irregularly in order to seek protection.
Refugees have the right to housing, food, water, medical care, and education. Host countries are obligated to provide or facilitate access to these essential services.
Refugees lawfully present in a country have the right to choose their place of residence and move freely within the territory, subject to the same regulations that apply to foreigners.
Host countries must issue refugees identity papers and travel documents. You have the right to be recognized as a person before the law.
Refugees must receive treatment at least as favorable as that given to nationals in matters of religion, court access, primary education, and labor law.
Present yourself to authorities and say "I am seeking asylum." This can be done at a border, police station, immigration office, or refugee registration center. You cannot be detained solely for seeking asylum.
You will be interviewed about your reasons for fleeing. You have the right to a free interpreter, to legal counsel, and to tell your full story. Be honest and consistent — bring any evidence you have. Never sign documents you do not understand.
While your application is processed you have the right to remain in the country, access emergency healthcare, and receive basic support including housing and food. Processing times range from weeks to years depending on the country.
If your application is rejected you have the right to appeal. The deadline is typically 7–30 days after receiving the decision. Contact a legal aid organisation immediately after receiving a rejection — do not wait.
Recognized refugees have the right to be reunited with immediate family members. Apply as soon as possible after recognition — many countries impose time limits of 3 months.
Contact your country's nearest embassy or consulate immediately. They can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) within 24–48 hours. Use our Consulate Finder to locate the nearest one. Bring any ID copies you have.
If you cannot obtain national documents, UNHCR can issue a certificate confirming your refugee status. This is accepted in many countries as identification. Contact UNHCR in your country of asylum to register.
Once recognized as a refugee, you can apply for a Convention Travel Document from your host country — a passport-like document allowing international travel to countries that recognise it.
If your birth certificate or civil records were destroyed or lost, UNHCR and many NGOs can help reconstruct records through statutory declarations and witness statements.
All refugee children have the right to free primary education on the same terms as nationals of the host country. Secondary and higher education access varies by country but should be facilitated.
Children travelling alone must be identified, given a legal guardian, and cannot be held in immigration detention. They must receive special protection and housing separate from adults at all times.
In all decisions affecting refugee children, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration. This applies to detention, deportation, and placement decisions.
Children have the right to family reunification. If separated from parents, authorities must make every effort to trace and reunite the family. Contact UNHCR or the Red Cross Family Tracing Service immediately.
Many countries provide free legal representation for asylum seekers at appeal stage. NGOs like UNHCR, Asylum Access, and local legal aid clinics offer free help even before government aid is available.
During any legal proceedings or asylum interview, you have the right to a free interpreter in your language. Never sign documents you do not understand. Request a re-interview if you were not given an interpreter.
You have the right to consult a lawyer of your choosing before and during asylum interviews. Many NGOs provide free legal counsel — use our Legal Aid page to find help in your country.
Asylum seekers should not be detained purely for seeking asylum. If detained, you have the right to know the reasons, to challenge detention before a court, and to legal assistance.
The 1951 Convention grants refugees the right to paid employment. Many countries impose a waiting period (3–9 months) before allowing asylum seekers to work. Once recognised, refugees generally have full work rights.
Refugees are entitled to the same labour protections as nationals — minimum wage, safe working conditions, and protection from exploitation. Report exploitation to labour authorities or an NGO.
Many countries have programs to recognise foreign qualifications for refugees. Contact the relevant professional body or a refugee employment NGO for guidance on having your credentials recognised.
Regardless of status, all refugees and asylum seekers are entitled to emergency medical treatment. You cannot be denied emergency care due to lack of documentation or inability to pay.
Refugees have the right to psychological and psychiatric support. UNHCR and many NGOs offer free trauma counselling, PTSD treatment, and mental health services. Use our Mental Health page to find help.
Pregnant women and children have the right to full healthcare including prenatal care, vaccination, and pediatric services on equal terms with host country nationals in most EU and signatory states.
You cannot be deported to a country where you face a real risk of torture, inhuman treatment, or death. This applies even if your asylum claim has been rejected, if new evidence of risk exists.
Before being deported, you have the right to challenge the decision before a court and to remain in the country until a final decision is made. Seek legal help immediately if you receive a deportation notice.
If you wish to return to your country voluntarily, IOM (International Organization for Migration) provides free voluntary return and reintegration assistance. Contact IOM in your host country.
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