How do I recognise that a person is asking for international protection?

• Pages: 20-20

20

15 How do I recognise

that a person

is asking for

international

protection?

As a f‌irst-contact ocial, you will often be the f‌irst

representative of your country with whom third-

country nationals reaching the EU come into contact

and to whom they have for the f‌irst time the chance

to express their wish to apply for asylum.

Be aware that people may express an intention to

apply for international protection in a variety of ways.

Any expression of fear of persecution or serious

harm if refused entry, expressed either verbally

or in writing, qualif‌ies as such a request. It is not

necessary to use the exact word ‘asylum’ or ‘refugee’.

Some of the key words, expressions or messages

that may signal that a person may wish to apply

for international protection include fear of being

killed, persecution, torture, war and/or fear of

being returned. The person may also ask for help,

protection or may want to see the UN, UNHCR

oce or a lawyer, etc.

Any person who has expressed the wish to

apply for international protection becomes an

applicant with all the rights and obligations

attached to this status and must be referred to

the responsible authorities for further assessment.

Remember that your judgement at the point of entry

has crucial and critical importance. Consult your

superior whenever you have any doubts about the

intentions of the person in front of you.

See Section “Recognise making of the

application for international protection”

of the Practical Guide.