Every year, millions of people embark on a journey to find a new life to escape persecution, but many face an asylum application process filled with uncertainty and challenges. According to Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to seek asylum in other countries when suffering persecution. However, the process is often a mysterious and complicated journey that leaves many people confused.
“Approximately 1 million to 2 million people apply for asylum each year, however approval rates vary by recipient country.”
According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, an asylum seeker is a person who has suffered persecution in his or her country of origin because of race, religion, nationality, a particular social group or political opinion. When they flee to another country and file an asylum claim, their status becomes that of asylum seekers. This status remains pending the outcome of the asylum application.
The role of national government agencies is crucial when conducting asylum reviews. They determine whether each applicant qualifies for asylum based on the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol. If they are recognized as refugees, they have legal refugee status; if not, they may be considered illegal immigrants.
In addition to refugee status, asylum applicants may also be granted other types of international protection, such as subsidiary protection status. This protection is intended to prevent those who are at significant risk of harm as a result of war or human rights abuses from being returned to their country of origin.
“Subsidiary protection is international protection for those who do not meet refugee criteria but still face the risk of torture and significant harm upon return to their country of origin.”
In many countries, the asylum application process includes both individual and group assessments. For group exiles, group review can be conducted because their common reasons are obvious. On the other hand, non-group exiles face individual interviews and are required to provide sufficient evidence to support their application.
Many countries use machine learning systems to help evaluate asylum applications, which not only increases efficiency but also ensures fairer outcomes.
Once an asylum application is rejected, the applicant is considered a "failed asylum seeker." Different countries handle these applicants differently. Some will allow them to stay temporarily, while others will forcibly repatriate them. Forced return is often contrary to the principle of non-deportation and may result in them being sent back to a place where they may be subject to persecution.
“Failed asylum seekers often face poor conditions, poor social support and poor quality of life.”
Asylum applicants who are not granted asylum face many restrictions during the application process. Most countries do not allow them to work, and some countries do not even have the right to volunteer. This leaves asylum seekers in limbo while they wait.
When faced with legal proceedings, language barriers and cultural differences may prevent them from accurately describing their experiences, thereby affecting the success or failure of their applications. As one study points out, nonverbal communication also has the potential to influence the success of an asylum claim.
The quality of life of asylum seekers is often closely related to their mental health. Many people develop psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder during the eviction and resettlement process. This situation further makes it difficult for them to integrate into the new society.
The asylum application process can feel overwhelming, but for those eager to rebuild their lives, it is the path to legal refugee life. Everyone's story can be an opportunity to change someone's life. In a future that protects human rights and promotes social integration, how should we provide support and assistance to these respectable people?