Refugee Status Determination

Refugee status determination is a unit within the protection team whereby staff members are extensively trained in interviewing whereby they conduct detailed interviews with individuals to obtain information on the reasons why they have left their homes and are seeking asylum, to enable them to accurately determine whether an individual is a refugee or not.

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I am registered with UNHCR Jordan. What is the next step?

Following registration, you may receive an appointment for a Refugee Status Determination interview, depending on the needs identified in your case. Appointments will occur according to the interview schedule and will consider your own circumstances.

I can’t afford to travel to Amman. Do all Refugee Status Determination interviews occur in Amman?

We regularly travel to locations where our Persons of Concern are located if they are unable to reach the office in Amman; remote interviews could also be arranged in some exceptional circumstances. If you live far from Amman, and/or are not able to come to UNHCR for an RSD interview please contact us via the Helpline.

 

I live in Amman, but I am too sick to attend my interview at the Amman office. Is that a problem?

If you cannot attend your interview due to health issues or any other reason please let us know as soon as possible by contacting us via Helpline, so that we can reschedule it for another time.

 

When will UNHCR Jordan answer my RSD enquiry?

Rest assured that whichever communication method you choose, UNHCR reviews your enquiry and follows up on your case. We will contact you only if we need more information.

Does this mean that everyone that is registered with UNHCR Jordan will go through a Refugee Status Determination interview?

Asylum-seeker and refugee certificates grant the same level of protection against deportation (refoulement). Also access to services and assistance does not depend on refugee status. Thus, we only carry out RSD interviews as our capacities allow.

What is the purpose of the RSD interview?

The purpose of the Refugee Status Determination interview is to obtain the reasons of why you left your home country and the reasons why you cannot return. It allows UNHCR to accurately determine whether you are a refugee or not.

What happens during the Refugee Status Determination interview?

This is your time to tell your story, and we will help you in that process. During the interview, you will be asked several questions about yourself, your family and any problems you may have had and your fear of return to your home country. It is important that you cooperate with the UNHCR staff member during the Refugee Status Determination interview and provide truthful and complete information. Any incorrect information may have a negative impact on your case.

Please bring all documents available to you at the time of the Refugee Status Determination interview such as travel documents, identity papers, employment records, and other documentation which will help support your claim for refugee status.

Should you have a legal representative assisting you in presenting your case to UNHCR, you may submit a request for approval to UNHCR by emailing [email protected]

 

What happens after the Refugee Status Determination interview?

Your case will be assessed, reviewed and decision reached whether you meet refugee definition or not.  You will be notified of the decision that UNHCR has made on your case. If your application for refugee status is rejected and you disagree with this, you have the right to appeal the decision. Information on the appeal procedures is included in the decision that you will receive.

I have been rejected for refugee status, but my family member is accepted. How does this affect me?

If you are rejected for refugee status, but your first degree relative is accepted as a refugee, then you may be eligible for refugee status by UNHCR. If for some reason this has not happened for you, then UNHCR would explain to you the reasons behind this decision. If you still have concerns about this or believe an error has occurred in your application, please inform UNHCR.

My case has been pending for some time. Why am I not receiving my result?

Decisions on RSD require a review which sometimes takes time. We strive to provide results as soon as possible but the extra time is sometimes to ensure that your case is addressed thoroughly. However, if your case has been pending for over 6 months, please get in touch with UNHCR to inquire about your result.

Does the information I share with UNHCR during my interview remain confidential?

Any information you provide during Refugee Status Determination interviews remains confidential and no details of your application will be shared with any third party without your permission and explicit consent. You can contact UNHCR at any point if you wish to correct or add any information to your case, or if you would like to request any copies of documents you have submitted to UNHCR previously.

There are some sensitive issues that I do not want to share with a family member or relative. Should I be concerned?

We respect the privacy and sensitivity of the information that is shared with us. All information is treated with the utmost confidentiality. Should we need to share some information with a family member, your consent will always be sought first. UNHCR will never act without receiving your consent.

I need a document to prove my status as a refugee for a residency (or other) application I am submitting to another country or institution. Can you help me?

Please consult the information on our Resettlement page for information on this.