Free legal aid for refugees and asylum seekers

The right to asylum is a basic human right that allows you to request protection in another country, stay there legally, and start a new life if it is unsafe for you to go back to your home country.

Here are some of the reasons you may qualify for asylum:

• You fear going back to your country due to threats of violence, abuse, punishment, or rights violations (like the right to work, education, healthcare, legal protection) because of your political beliefs, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, being a child or woman, or if you refused to participate in war and harm others.
• You are fleeing war, political unrest or widespread violence in your country.
• You had to leave and protect yourself and your family due to other serious reasons.

To seek asylum in Serbia, you need to go through a process called the asylum procedure. During this process, state authorities will assess whether you qualify for asylum and what type of protection you may receive. The asylum procedure consists of five steps, and it’s important to know that you can get assistance from IDEAS legal counsellors at each step. Remember that you are not alone, and help is available to you.

If you’re unsure whether to apply for asylum in Serbia, you can speak with legal counsellors who will provide you with sufficient information to make an informed decision. Your conversations with legal counsellors remain confidential throughout the procedure, so you don’t have to worry. It is essential to tell the truth to your legal counsellors so they can offer specific advice tailored to your case. This information will enable you to decide whether seeking asylum in Serbia is the right choice for you. 

The legal counsellors will assist you in filing an asylum claim and discuss with you in detail the reasons for leaving your home country and why return is not fesible. 

You have an option to request a male or female legal counsellor to be your legal representative.

Prior to expressing your intention, the legal counsellors will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of all steps in the asylum procedure, as well as your rights and responsibilities.

If you’re unsure about how to express your intention to apply for asylum, legal counsellors can assist or even accompany you to the police station for registration. Should any issues arise registration, you can call the legal counsellor for help.

Upon submission, you will be granted the status of an asylum seeker, allowing you to legally stay in Serbia and enjoy different rights.

Should you wish for IDEAS to represent you in the asylum procedure, you will need to sign a power of attorney, and we will become your legal representatives, helping you at each step of the way.

Once your asylum claim is submitted to the Asylum office, you will be granted asylum seeker status allowing you the legal right to stay in Serbia, and access essential services such as healthcare and education, with the right to work after six months.

During this interview, you will be asked to provide detailed reasons why you had to leave your home country and why you cannot return.

The legal representatives will notify you of your asylum interview date and schedule a meeting to prepare you for the official interview.

The interview is very important, and we will help you prepare for it. An interpreter will be present during the interview to ensure you understand everything well. If you have difficulty understanding, please inform your legal representative immediately.

During the interview, your legal representative will be present to support you. The interview will be conducted by an officer from the Asylum Office, but your legal representative can ask clarifying questions at the end of the interview to ensure a complete understanding of your case. It is very important to present your story truthfully and clearly during the interview. Interviews can last a few hours, so let your representative know if you need a break or have any other needs. 

The decision can be positive, granting you asylum and safety in Serbia. You will be thoroughly informed about all the steps you need to take and all your rights.

In case of a negative decision and if you believe a mistake has been made, you can appeal against the decision. The legal representative will assist you in filing an appeal. During the appeal process, you are still an asylum seeker and have the same rights, and you can safely stay in Serbia.

If you did not have a legal representative beforehand and receive a negative decision, contact us right away. The appeal deadline is 15 days from the date you receive the decision.