How to apply for asylum in Peru

To apply for asylum in Peru, you don’t need a daily source of income. Applying for refugee status with the Peruvian government outside the country is impossible.

You can seek asylum at:

Peru’s borders or elsewhere within the country or;

You may also submit the request to the Foreign Ministry’s Electronic Table of Parties.

In Peru, the Special Refugee Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (CEPR), set up by Law No. 27,891, is in charge of all things connected to protecting, helping, and looking for answers for refugees and people who want to be refugees.

Your information will remain private and not be given to government agencies. Within the time frame specified by law, the requesting authorities must present the applicant to the Special Commission for Refugees.

Most websites or apps linked below are in Spanish and English. Use Google Translate, Tarjimly, or any other translation service if you need it.

Who the refugees are

People who are considered refugees are people who have been forced to leave their place of origin or permanent residence for:

Fear of retaliation due to one’s beliefs, race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or other identifiers,

Or

Violence, foreign aggression, internal conflicts, massive human rights violations, and other events severely undermined public order.

How to apply for asylum in Peru

CEPR is the government agency responsible for processing asylum claims, determining refugee status, and finding permanent solutions. It must also safeguard the rights of refugees and applicants and aid in exploring local integration and support possibilities.

It is possible to apply for refugee status before:

• The Special Commission for Refugees’ Executive Secretariat.

Find their website here.

Or by;

Phone: ( + 51 1 ) 204 3161/204 3128
Email: refugees@rree.gob.pe

• The Decentralized Ministry of Foreign Affairs Offices (ODE).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has nine national ODES. Locate them here.

• Any position held by, or authority granted by, the National Superintendency of Migrations

You may find them at:

National Superintendence of Migrations.

• At ports of entry and airports before immigration checks, law enforcement agencies or armed forces.

What documents do you need for the applications

• Nationality and last names are essential.
• If applying with relatives, provide their personal information and connection to you.
• Give your email and phone number.
• Explain your departure.
• Attach ID or passport copies for yourself and your family members.
• Apply, sign, and scan.
• Sign all areas for older applicants.

After that:

You may submit the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Virtual Parts Table once ready.

Use this link to access it: https://www.gob.pe/20416-acceder-a-mesa-de-partes?child=27623

After loading the application into the Virtual Table of Parties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the system will:

Email confirmation that the process has begun, along with a QR and document codes. Thus, you must provide a consistent email address.

If you have more questions, email them at:

applicantsfugio@rree.gob.pe

What happens next

As the primary authority for deciding whether or not a person is eligible for refugee status, the Special Commission for Refugees will review the application.

If granted refugee status, you can:

• You may apply for and be granted Peruvian citizenship.
• An immigration card will be issued to you.

If your request is rejected:

• You have 15 business days to appeal to the Special Commission.
• You may appeal to the Refugee Review Commission.
• Its Provisional Document will be renewed till resources are resolved.

Asylum seeker: What are your rights and duties

The following are your legal rights and duties after applying:

The rights:

Freely move

Not return

No irregular income penalty

To education

To work

To health

No discrimination

To worship freely

Administrative aid

Immigration issue

Family reunion

The Duties:

Follow federal, state, and local laws.

Respect people and businesses.

Renew the asylum seeker temporary document.

Update your phone, email, and address.

Travel abroad? Notify the executive secretariat.

Interfering in political or other affairs threatening Peru’s national security, internal order, or foreign relations is illegal.

Sources: UNHCR Help Peru

The caption of the cover image is in Laguna Querococha, Peru. Photo by Catherine A G M on Unsplash.