Development of the asylum interview via pioneering cooperation
The Refugee Advice Centre and the Finnish Immigration Service have together been developing the asylum interview since the beginning of 2008. This is the first time that an asylum process has been developed jointly by an NGO and officials. The project has received funding from the European Refugee Fund (ERF).
’Our experiences have been extremely positive’, states Marjaana Laine, a lawyer for the Refugee Advice Centre and the coordinator of the project. In the future, partners want to develop in particular communication with asylum seekers as well as training for those working with them.
Recommendations for the development of the asylum interview
The first fruits of the cooperation have been collated into a recently completed list of recommendations for the development of the asylum interview. On the basis of this, it became clear how the interview works at present and how the asylum seeker's legal protection is ensured. The recommendations are aimed at all those involved in the asylum interview process.
‘The basic idea was to document the interview stage by stage in detail to find the areas that require clarification. The recommendations are intended to consolidate best practices; some of which are already being followed. The remainder will also be taken into consideration where possible’, states Esko Repo, director of the Asylum Unit in the Finnish Immigration Service.
Compiling the recommendations highlighted how important it is that the asylum seeker finds out in good time information about the interview as well as their rights and responsibilities. ‘Clear communications also increase the asylum seekers' trust in the Finnish system’, states Laine.
The interview is a challenge for both the asylum seeker and the interviewer
‘Development of the asylum interview is important because it is a challenging situation for all those involved. The interview is the most important opportunity for clarifying the basis of receiving international protection. A successful interview is the best basis for making a decision that complies with the guarantee of legal protection’, stresses Laine.
Meeting with an asylum seeker is demanding for all those working with them because the asylum seekers do not speak the language and are in a foreign environment and culture. Many may have experienced traumatic events.
Those interviewed as part of the clarifications include: interviewers, assistants, interpreters, asylum seekers, and admission centre staff. Representatives of minor asylum seekers and mental health professionals have also taken part in the project.
Further information for the media:
- The Refugee Advice Centre: Marjaana Laine, tel. 075 7575 100, email: marjaana.laine@pakolaisneuvonta.fi
- The Finnish Immigration Service Esko Repo, tel. 071 873 0431, email: esko.repo@migri.fi
14.1.2009
