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Cooperate with the authorities

Background information

The applicant has the obligation to cooperate with the authorities to establish their identity and other elements such as their statements and any documentation at their disposal regarding their:

age, background (including that of relevant relatives), identity, nationality(ies), country(ies) and place(s) of previous residence, previous applications for international protection, travel routes, travel documents and the reasons for applying for international protection (150).

Moreover, depending on your national laws and policies, the applicant may have the obligation to report or to appear in person before the competent authorities (151) either as soon as possible or upon appointment.

It may also be applicable in your national context that the oral statements during the personal interview are recorded (152).

(150) Article 13(1) APD (recast) ‘Obligations of the applicants’ and Article 4(2) QD (recast) ‘Assessment of facts and circumstances’.
(151) Article 13(2), point (a) APD (recast) ‘Obligations of the applicants’.
(152) Article 13(2), point (f) APD (recast) ‘Obligations of the applicants’.

Explain these messages to the applicant during the first contact (making), registration/lodging and personal interview: 

  • The applicant has to cooperate with the authorities to allow the authorities to process their case.
  • The applicant should appear in person before the authority if they have an appointment. Explain what to do and which steps to take if the applicant cannot attend the appointment.

Explain these additional messages to the applicant during the registration/lodging and personal interview: 

  • The applicant must provide the authorities with all information and documents available to establish their identity and nationality.
  • The applicant must provide to the authorities all information that is relevant to their application, including documentary and other evidence at their disposal.
  • The applicant must not provide false information to the authorities.
  • The applicant should respond to requests for information (if this is required in your national law).
  • How applicants can, in practice, provide information and submit documentary evidence to the authorities. This includes to which office the information should be provided and by what means (e.g. by mail, by email or by appearing in person).
  • The applicant should remain available to the authorities throughout the asylum procedure.
  • If relevant, the authority will record the applicant’s oral statements. The recording will be stored and used in full respect of the principle of confidentiality.
  • During the interview, the applicant’s obligation to provide information concerning the reason(s) they applied for asylum and answer the questions asked. 
  • Other obligations that may be applicable in your national context.

Explain these messages to the applicant during the notification stage:

  • If they are notified of a positive decision, possible further obligations to cooperate with authorities based on national practice (e.g. submitting documents from their country of origin if it was not yet done so).
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Practical tip: information provision on cooperation with authorities during interview

When providing information about obligations in the presence of an interpreter during the interview, ensure that the applicant has understood the information by asking them. Consider also giving the applicant an opportunity to ask follow up-questions about their obligations.