What is the purpose of the refugee status determination interview?
The purpose of the refugee status determination (RSD) interview is to assist you in putting forward your case and to fully explain all pertinent information concerning you and your past experiences and circumstances that led you to fleeing your home country. All information you provide during the interview will be treated in a confidential manner by UNHCR. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your family, education, place of birth, and the reasons for leaving your country of origin. Based on this interview, UNHCR will determine whether you will be granted refugee status according to international refugee law.
Can I have a legal representative/advisor to assist me during my refugee status determination procedure?
Yes, you are entitled to have a legal representative/advisor to assist you during your refugee status determination interview. In Egypt, Saint Andrews’ Refugee Services provide information, counselling, referral, representation, and advocacy for asylum seekers and refugees in Egypt free of charge.
Notification of Refugee Status Determination Decisions
Once your decision is ready, you will receive an SMS to indicate your result notification date/ appointment. In the meantime, you can also check the RSD website at http://rsd.unhcregypt.org/ refugeeresult.aspx, which will also reflect your result notification date/appointment, once available. The decision on your asylum application could either be recognition or rejection.
What happens if I am recognized as a refugee?
If you are recognized as a refugee, you and your dependents will be provided with a UNHCR refugee card. In order to collect the decision letter, you will be required to present to UNHCR reception staff your UNHCR asylum seeker registration card and your identification documents (passport or other form of identification) when you approach UNHCR 6th of October Main Premises in the 17 Mekka El Mokrama Street, 3rd proximity, 7th District for your result. If you are residing in the northern governorates, you will be notified in UNHCR Alexandria Office. This blue card is evidence that you have refugee status and fall under the protection of the Egyptian Government.
What happens if I am denied refugee status?
If you are denied refugee status after the first instance interview, you will be requested to approach UNHCR 6th of October Main Premises in the 17 Mekka El Mokrama Street, 3rd proximity, 7th District, where you will receive a negative decision letter, which contains an explanation on the reasons that led to the denial of the asylum application. If you are residing in the northern governorates, you will be notified in UNHCR Alexandria Office.
In order to collect the decision letter, you will be required to present to UNHCR reception staff your UNHCR asylum seeker registration card and your identification documents (passport or other form of identification). You will then be required to sign a receipt for your notification letter. If you are notified with a negative decision you have the right to submit an appeal request within 30 days by approaching the Window 4 of UNHCR 6th of October Main Premises in the 17 Mekka El Mokrama Street, 3rd proximity, 7th District or by approaching UNHCR Alexandria Office, if you are residing in the northern governorates. If you do not wish to lodge an appeal against the first instance decision denying your asylum application, you will no longer be considered as person of concern to UNHCR.