Asylum in Kosovo is a competence of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and it is regulated by the Law on Asylum (Law No. 06/L-026).

The Department of Citizenship Asylum and Migration (DCAM) is responsible for decision-making at first instance.

When and where to apply for asylum

You can submit your asylum application at the moment of entry into Kosovo.
You can do it:

  • at the border crossing point
  • in a police station
  • at the Department for Citizenship Asylum and Migration

Both, Police and DCAM are responsible for receiving the application, filling out an initial form, taking your fingerprints, photographs, travel documents and other proof relating to your request.

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in the Centre for Asylum Seekers, where you will receive food and basic services.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Temporary residency rights
  • Freedom of thought and religious belief
  • Basic living conditions
  • Basic health care
  • Basic social assistance
  • Free legal assistance
  • Education for children
  • Employment and professional training

You can contact the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and/or Non-Governmental Organizations which offer assistance to asylum seekers.

Your obligations

You have the following obligations:

  • Act in accordance with all laws
  • Cooperate with the authorities
  • Respond to invitations and cooperate in any stage of the asylum procedures
  • Notify DCAM of any change of address within 3 days
  • Comply with instructions issued by the competent authority, including COVID-19 related measures

Asylum processing

Asylum processing starts from the moment that you submit the claim. Throughout this period, you have right for free legal representation and counselling.

You will be interviewed by the asylum authorities (DCAM).

The authorities may issue a positive decision, granting refugee status, subsidiary protection or temporary protection.

The asylum procedure may also be suspended:

  • If you withdraw your asylum application
  • If you depart from the last place of residence or you are absent for over 3 days without informing the competent authority, except cases when you can prove, within a reasonable time, that this happened due to circumstances out of your control
  • If you leave Kosovo during the procedure

You can apply for reopening of the procedure within nine (9) months from the time when the final decision for the suspension was taken.

In case your application is rejected, you have the right to appeal. Your appeal will be reviewed by the National Committee for Refugees (second administrative instance).
You can also appeal in the respective Court instances in case of disagreement with the decision of the National Committee for Refugees.
You may reside in Kosovo until a final decision is taken.
Please see the contact section for free legal aid.


You might want to also want to download: