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All refugees and asylum-seekers in Iraq must register with UNHCR and obtain a UNHCR Certificate.
A valid UNHCR certificate confirms that you need international protection and assistance as a refugee or asylum-seeker.
Asylum-seekers who do not have a valid UNHCR certificate are subject to immigration laws in Iraq, and they may be at risk of deportation. Non-holders of a valid UNHCR Certificate also risk the loss of assistance and protection services provided by UNHCR and other humanitarian actors.
How to register yourself and your family members as asylum-seekers:
- Set a registration appointment by calling your nearest UNHCR Protection Assistance and Registration Centre (PARC) or Community Service Centre (CSC). Our operators will ask you about your name, nationality, current location, and your phone number. You will be given an appointment date when you must come to the UNHCR Registration Centre, PARC, or CSC.
- At the date and time of your registration appointment, come with all family members to UNHCR registration centre.
- Bring all the identification documents you have.
- UNHCR registration staff will photograph you and your family members and collect biometric information (iris scan). The Iris scan does not cause pain or health complications.
- UNHCR interviewers will ask your consent to share your information. All information will be kept confidential, except for information you authorize UNHCR to share with NGOs and authorities to receive documentation, assistance, and services.
- UNHCR will issue a Registration Certificate containing your photograph, data, and Registration Number. Keep this certificate safe and confidential to prevent unlawful use of your information.
In Duhok (Bardarash): Those newly arrived should first appear at the Assayesh Office inside the camp for clearance, followed by registration by the Board of Relief and Humanitarian Affairs (BRHA). After this is completed, you can approach the UNHCR Registration Team.
The UNHCR asylum-seeker certificate is valid for 12 months. The refugee certificate is valid for 24 months. Both asylum-seeker certificates and refugee certificates must be renewed when they expire.
To schedule a registration appointment
- Baghdad: 077 32 41 44 02
- Dohuk: 075 03 36 49 01
- Erbil: 075 19 51 19 51
- Sulaymaniyah: Please approach the registration centre
All humanitarian assistance is provided free of charge