How to Apply for Asylum in Jordan, Egypt and Cyprus: A Friendly Step-by-Step Guide

Before diving into the country-specific details, remember one golden rule: start your asylum process as soon as you arrive. Acting early protects you from detention or fines and keeps essential services open to you.

Below you’ll find clear, practical steps for each country, followed by universal tips on documents, interview-day etiquette and where to find free legal aid.

Step-by-step asylum process in Jordan, Egypt and Cyprus

1. First Things First – Where to Go on Arrival

1.1 Jordan

1. Regular entry (airport/border): Inform the border police that you wish to claim asylum (طلب اللجوء) and ask for referral to the UNHCR Registration Centre in Amman, Irbid or Mafraq.
2. Irregular entry (desert crossings): You will be transported to Raba’ Sarhan Reception Centre for identity checks, vaccination and same-day registration.
3. Urban residents: Book an appointment through the UNHCR Helpline (+962 6 400 8000). The call menu offers Arabic and English, with additional lines for camp residents.

If you are considering seeking asylum in Jordan, this official video from UNHCR Jordan provides a clear and practical overview of the entire process. It explains how to register, what to expect during your interview, and how to access support services through the UNHCR helpline. Watching this video will help you understand each step and prepare for your application with confidence.

Important Links - Jordan:

• UNHCR Jordan Helpline: +962 6 400 8000
• UNHCR Registration Centers Map
• Raba' Sarhan Reception Centre Info

 

1.2 Egypt

All arrivals—whether by plane, sea or land—must register directly with UNHCR. The main offices are:

• 6 October City (Greater Cairo)
• Zamalek (Cairo)
• Alexandria
  
  

Call the UNHCR Infoline (+20 22 739 0400) to receive an appointment SMS; no walk-ins are accepted.

 

This short video offers a step-by-step explanation of how to apply for asylum in Egypt, including the registration process and what happens during your interview at UNHCR offices. It is especially helpful for first-time applicants, giving you a realistic idea of what to expect and how to get started on your journey to protection.

Important Links - Egypt:

• UNHCR Egypt Infoline: +20 22 739 0400
• UNHCR Registration Office Locations
• UNHCR Egypt Official Website

1.3 Cyprus

1. Legal entry points (Larnaca or Pafos airports/ports): ask border police to lodge an asylum claim; you will then visit the District Immigration Police Office to complete forms.
2. Irregular sea/land arrivals: all new claimants are transferred to Pournara First Reception Centre near Nicosia for registration and health screening.
3. Already in Cyprus on another visa: go to your local District Immigration Police Office and fill out the Personal Data Form within six days.

 

This informative video, created in collaboration with UNHCR Cyprus, walks you through the four essential steps to seek asylum on the island. It covers everything from submitting your application to attending interviews and receiving updates on your case. The video is available in English with Arabic subtitles, making it especially useful for newcomers who want a reliable introduction to the process.

Important Links - Cyprus:

• Asylum Service Cyprus - Official Information
• UNHCR Cyprus Guidelines
• Pournara Reception Centre Details
  
  

2. Registration – What Actually Happens?

What You’ll Do at the Desk

1. Identity check – Present any ID you have. If you lost documents, explain why; lack of ID cannot stop registration.
2. Biometric capture – A quick iris or fingerprint scan prevents duplicate files and speeds up aid distribution.
3. Basic interview – Expect questions on family, route, and why you fled. Keep answers short and honest.
4. Card issuance – You’ll leave with a temporary certificate that protects you from deportation (non-refoulement) while your case is examined.
   
   

UNHCR poster explaining iris scanning for refugee registration in Egypt, highlighting its purpose, procedure, and data privacy data.unhcr

3. Must-Have Document Checklist

Tip: Make phone photos of every page in case originals are lost in transit.

4. The Refugee Status Interview

After registration, you’ll be scheduled—sometimes months later—for a detailed interview with a protection officer.

How to Prepare

• Know your timeline. List key dates (arrest warrants, threats, court summons). Consistency is crucial.
• Bring evidence. Photos, letters, medical reports, news clippings bolster credibility.
• Practice calmly. Rehearse your story with a friend or NGO counsellor; avoid exaggeration.
• Learn basic terms in interview language (Arabic, English or Greek). Interpreters are provided free.
• Dress comfortably and arrive early; interviews can last 1–3 hours.
  
  

Typical Questions

1. Why did you leave your home country?
2. Who harmed or threatened you?
3. How did you travel to this country?
4. What would happen if you returned?
5. Do you have relatives elsewhere?
   
   

During the interview use “I” not “we”, stick to facts and ask for breaks if you feel distressed.

📋 Important Links - Interview Preparation:

• UNHCR Jordan RSD Process
• UNHCR Egypt RSD Guidelines
• Cyprus Asylum Interview Guide

5. Free Legal Aid – Where to Get Help

Remember the keywords when asking for help: طلب اللجوء / αίτηση ασύλου / legal aid / المساعدة القانونية.

6. Appealing a Negative Decision

• Jordan & Egypt: File a review request at UNHCR within 30 days; legal NGOs can draft it for you.
• Cyprus: Submit an appeal to the International Protection Administrative Court (IPAC) within 15 or 30 days (check the letter). You may apply for state-funded legal aid using Form 1 before filing.
  
  

Missing a deadline almost always leads to deportation orders, so seek help immediately.

Important Links - Appeals Process:

• Jordan UNHCR Review Process
• Egypt UNHCR Appeals Guide
• Cyprus IPAC Appeal Forms
• Cyprus Legal Aid Application Form 1

7. Life While You Wait

Step-by-step guide to request a renewal appointment for an asylum seeker certificate via the UNHCR Jordan Helpline help.unhcr

8. Quick Glossary

• Asylum application – طلب اللجوء (Arabic) / αίτηση ασύλου (Greek)
• Legal aid – المساعدة القانونية (Arabic) / νομική αρωγή (Greek)
• UNHCR – United Nations Refugee Agency, handles registration and protection in all three countries.
• Biometrics – Fingerprints or iris scans used to verify identity.
• Certificate/Card – Proof you are an asylum-seeker; renew before expiry to avoid fines.
  
  

9. Final Tips

1. Keep copies of every document and SMS from authorities.
2. Update phone numbers with UNHCR; most appointments arrive by text.
3. Never pay bribes—all UNHCR and NGO services are free.
4. Teach your children their full names and case numbers; it helps reunite families if separated.
5. Stay informed through official Facebook or Telegram channels run by UNHCR in each country.
   
   

Applying for asylum is rarely easy, but thousands succeed every year by following these steps and reaching out for support. You are not alone—ask questions, keep records, and lean on the many organisations ready to help. Good luck on your journey to safety!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are concise answers to the questions newcomers most often ask about claiming asylum in Jordan, Egypt and Cyprus. Key multilingual search terms are woven in (Arabic: طلب اللجوء, المساعدة القانونية; Greek: αίτηση ασύλου; English: legal aid) so readers can easily reuse them when seeking information or help.

1. Where should I go first after arrival?

Jordan – Inform border police you want to file a طلب اللجوء claim and ask for referral to a UNHCR Registration Centre (Amman, Irbid, Mafraq) or the Raba’ Sarhan reception hub for desert entries.
Egypt – All nationalities must register directly with UNHCR (6 October City, Zamalek or Alexandria). Book an appointment via the UNHCR Infoline (+20 22 739 0400); no walk-ins.
Cyprus – At legal entry points request an αίτηση ασύλου with border police; irregular arrivals are taken to Pournara First Reception Centre near Nicosia.

2. What documents are essential at registration?

Bring any available passport, national ID, birth/marriage certificates, medical or police reports. Lack of papers does not bar registration, but originals speed up processing.

3. How are biometrics collected?

Jordan uses iris scans; Egypt fingerprints plus iris; Cyprus takes EURODAC fingerprints for applicants aged 14+.

4. How long does it take to get an asylum-seeker card?

• Jordan: same day to two weeks for the UNHCR Asylum Seeker Certificate.
• Egypt: usually issued at the interview (white/yellow card valid 6–18 months).
• Cyprus: confirmation letter within three days of lodging.
  
  

5. Is the refugee status (RSD) interview different from registration?

Yes. Registration is a brief intake; the RSD interview is a detailed, scheduled session that may occur months later. You must attend and answer consistently; interpreters are free.

6. What questions can I expect in the RSD interview?

Officers focus on:

1. Why you fled and who harmed you.
2. Travel route and border crossings.
3. Risk if you return.
4. Prepare a clear timeline, avoid exaggeration and request breaks if distressed.
   
   

7. Can I get legal aid / المساعدة القانونية?

• Jordan: ARDD-Legal Aid (+962 6 461 1469) and the UNHCR Helpline 06-400 8000 provide free counsel, detention support and appeals.
• Egypt: St. Andrew’s Refugee Services (StARS) 010-3331 6644, Egyptian Foundation for Refugee Rights 012-7202 0938, and United Lawyers 011-5452 6171 offer representation before UNHCR or courts.
• Cyprus: Cyprus Refugee Council +357 22 205 959, KISA +357 22 878 181 and Caritas Cyprus +357 22 662 606 assist with applications, IPAC appeals and welfare navigation.
  
  

8. What if my claim is rejected?

• Jordan/Egypt – File a review with UNHCR within 30 days; NGOs can draft it.
• Cyprus – Appeal to the International Protection Administrative Court (IPAC) within 15–30 days; legal aid is possible after a means-and-merits test.
  
  

9. Can I work while my case is pending?

Jordan: after 30 days, apply for a Ministry of Labour permit (certain sectors).
Egypt: formal work permit possible six months after card issuance, but difficult in practice.
Cyprus: register at the Labour Office nine months after lodging, sector restrictions apply.

10. Is healthcare free?

Jordan – primary care free in camps and partner clinics; subsidised hospital care.
Egypt – access to public hospitals at foreigner rates and UNHCR clinics for vulnerable cases.
Cyprus – emergency care free; outpatient services require a hospital card and possible co-pay.

11. How can I get cash or food assistance?

• Jordan: UNHCR iris-scan cash at ATMs for vulnerable households.
• Egypt: WFP e-voucher food assistance and limited cash for high-risk cases.
• Cyprus: material reception allowance via Social Welfare or Guaranteed Minimum Income after recognition.
  
  

12. What keywords help when seeking help online?

Copy-paste the exact terms below in search or message apps:

• طلب اللجوء – asylum application (Arabic)
• المساعدة القانونية – legal aid (Arabic)
• αίτηση ασύλου – asylum request (Greek)
• legal aid – (English)
  
  

13. How do I report fraud or abuse?

All UNHCR and partner services are free. In any country, call the UNHCR anti-fraud number on your card, email [email protected] (Jordan) or [email protected] (Egypt), or inform camp/site management. Never pay bribes.

14. What happens if I enter Cyprus from the North?

Applications cannot be lodged in the Turkish-controlled north or buffer zone; presenting oneself at a crossing usually results in pushback. You must reach areas under the Republic of Cyprus to apply legally.

15. Can unaccompanied children apply?

Yes. Children can claim asylum in their own right; specialised child-protection staff will conduct an age-appropriate interview and appoint a guardian (Cyprus) or conduct Best Interests Assessments (Jordan/Egypt).

16. How do I maintain my case?

Keep copies of every document and update phone numbers with UNHCR; most appointments arrive by SMS. Failure to renew cards or attend interviews risks case closure.

17. Can I voluntarily return home?

All three UNHCR offices run Assisted Voluntary Return programmes. Counselling is free and decisions are yours alone; no one can force you to sign repatriation papers.

18. I lost my UNHCR card—what now?

Report immediately via Helpline or registration centre. Bring a police loss report if possible; replacement is usually issued after identity verification.

This FAQ is up to date as of July 2025. Procedures can change quickly; always confirm details with UNHCR or a recognised legal-aid organisation before acting.