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How does it work?

The asylum application certificate or the stateless status application certificate received after submitting the file grants the right to stay in Benin during the review of the application. This document is valid for six (6) months and can be renewed if necessary.

If the request for refugee status or stateless status is accepted, the applicant will be notified of the decision recognizing their status and will be issued a Refugee or Stateless Identity Card (CIR/CIA). Any refugee aged 11 and above will receive this CIR/CIA, which includes a photo, biometric data, full name, date and place of birth, and a unique number. If necessary, a refugee or stateless person under 11 years old may obtain the CIR/CIA upon a justified request from their parents. The CIR protects against refoulement and ensures the enjoyment of rights associated with refugee status. It guarantees the holder the same rights as Beninese citizens (except for participation in political life), as well as the right of residence in the country.

The Stateless Identity Card (CIA) allows beneficiaries to fully enjoy their fundamental rights. These cards are valid for 5 years and can be renewed. For travel to a country other than their asylum country, the refugee or stateless person may request a travel document (refugee passport or stateless person's passport). A temporary travel pass may also be issued if needed.

Steps Actors Observation
Reception and orientation of the asylum seeker Administrative Secretary
Preliminary interview and form submission Protection Officer
Explanation on how to fill out registration forms and referral to legal clinic Eligibility Officers Registration of asylum seekers and scheduling of interview date
Taking photos and data entry into the database Eligibility Officers
Eligibility interview Eligibility Officers The appointment is scheduled according to a calendar and order of arrival
DSR evaluation Eligibility Officers The time frame may be long if the case evaluation is complex or shorter in accelerated procedures.
Review of evaluation Protection Officer The files are sent to committee members before the session
First instance review Eligibility Committee Composed of officials from various ministries... A positive decision grants documentation rights.
Notification of the decision Protection Officer / Administrative Secretary The decision, regardless of its nature, is notified to the asylum seeker.
Second instance review Appeals Committee Composed of senior officials from ministries. The frequency of sessions depends on the number of requests.
Issuance of refugee card Database Manager The card is issued when the decision is positive.
Our documents

Attachments

Decree-2024-1632 CNRA
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Law-2022-32
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REFUGEE AND STATELESS LAW BENIN
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