Application Form for Humanitarian Asylum in Spain

HIGRH – Spain is a vital European gateway for asylum seekers, offering a legal and humane system to help them start a new life. Despite the challenges, there is a wide network of governmental and non-governmental organizations that work to provide the necessary support to everyone seeking safety. This report is your guide to understanding the most important of these organizations and how they can be your partner on your asylum journey, from submitting your application to full integration into Spanish society.

Government Agencies: The First Stop for Asylum Applications

Upon your arrival in Spain, the first official body you will contact is the Office of Asylum and Refuge (Oficina de Asilo y Refugio), which is part of the Ministry of the Interior. This office is responsible for processing international protection applications.

• Office of Asylum and Refuge (OAR): This is the main body that receives your applications, conducts personal interviews, and makes decisions on granting protection. Although it is not a direct assistance organization, understanding its function is essential. The application must be submitted in person at the nearest national police station or at immigration offices.

Non-Governmental Organizations: Legal and Humanitarian Support

These organizations are the backbone of the support network in Spain, providing essential services.

• Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR): CEAR is considered one of the leading organizations working to assist asylum seekers. It offers comprehensive services, including legal consultation, assistance in preparing documents, and providing temporary shelter. It also advocates for refugees’ rights at national and international levels.
  • Link: Please visit the official CEAR website for contact information: https://www.cear.es/
• Spanish Red Cross (Cruz Roja Española): The Red Cross plays a significant role in providing humanitarian assistance. It offers reception services, accommodation, social and psychological support, and training courses for integration. It also provides assistance in emergency situations.
  • Link: Information on their programs for refugees can be found on their official website: https://www.cruzroja.es/
• Spanish UNHCR Office (ACNUR): This is the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Spain. It works as a partner to the government and provides legal information and assistance to ensure the application of international laws related to refugees.

Social Integration and Employment Institutions

After obtaining protection status, the integration phase into society begins. There are organizations that focus specifically on this stage.

• Social Integration Program (Integración Social): The Spanish government, in cooperation with the organizations mentioned above, manages a social integration program that focuses on providing Spanish language classes, assistance in job searching, and offering temporary financial support.
• Local Community Organizations: In every Spanish city, there are organizations and social centers that provide direct support to migrants and refugees. They can be a source of information about local services, such as healthcare and education, in addition to organizing social events to help you integrate.

Comprehensive and Direct Answers

In this section, we answer the most important questions on the minds of asylum seekers.

• Disadvantages of Asylum in Spain: Some challenges may include the long waiting period for a decision on the application, difficulty in accessing the labor market initially, and language challenges if you do not speak Spanish.
• Organizations That Help with Asylum in Spain: As mentioned in the report, the most prominent are CEAR and the Spanish Red Cross. You can also search for other local organizations in the city where you reside.
• Types of Asylum in Spain: The Spanish system distinguishes between two types of international protection:
  • Refugee Status (Estatuto de Refugiado): Granted to those who fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
  • Subsidiary Protection (Protección Subsidiaria): Granted to those who do not meet the criteria for refugee status but face a real risk of serious harm in their home country.
• Advantages of Asylum in Spain: The most important advantages are safety and legal protection, the right to work and study, and access to free healthcare. Spain is also a country with a rich culture and a generally welcoming society.
• Submitting an Asylum Application Online: Spain does not allow asylum applications to be submitted online from outside the country. The application must be submitted in person upon arrival in its territory, whether at an airport, a border crossing, or a police station.
• How to Write a Humanitarian Asylum Application: It is preferable to do this with the help of a lawyer or legal consultant from one of the specialized organizations. The application must be clear, supported by strong evidence (documents, testimonies, reports), and focus on the reasons that compel you to seek protection.
• Asylum in Spain: Spain has a comprehensive asylum system and works to provide protection to everyone who proves they are in need of it.
• Humanitarian Asylum in Spain: This term is usually used to describe the protection granted for humanitarian reasons, which is known in the Spanish system as Subsidiary Protection.

The journey to asylum in Spain is a decisive step that requires patience and knowledge. Relying on specialized organizations and understanding the legal system is your key to success. Spain offers a strong support network, but true integration depends on your willingness to learn the language and engage with the community. Remember that you are not alone on this journey, and there are people who will support you….. more

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