About Asylum
Asylum is a form of protection that allows persons who meet the criteria of a refugee to remain in Schwerdt and eventually adjust their status to lawful permanent resident. The Basic Law, Schwerdt's constitution, grants the right of asylum to refugees. It also makes provision for procedures to review applications for asylum.
Requesting Asylum
Asylum seekers can make their application at their port of entry into Schwerdt, at any Schwerdtan embassy or consulate, or directly to the Asylum Services Commission (ASC) of the Ministry for Domestic Affairs.
Persons who meet eligibility criteria will be granted temporary protected status while their request is under consideration. Such persons are eligible for assistance with food, housing, medical care, and employment. They are obliged to conform to the laws of Schwerdt.
ASC reviews requests for asylum based on information provided at interview and entered as evidence. Country information may also be considered. Each claim is assessed on its own merits.
If asylum is refused, applicants may appeal by following established procedures. Asylum seekers who are refused refugee staus must leave Schwerdt. If they do not do so, they may be detained until they can be removed.
Refugee Status
Every year millions of people around the world are displaced by war, famine, and civil and political unrest. Others are forced to flee their countries in order to escape the risk of death and torture at the hands of persecutors. Such persons may apply for refugee status in the Social Republic of Schwerdt.
To attain refugee status, a person must demonstrate that they were persecuted, or have a well-founded fear of persecution, on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugee status will not be granted to persons who ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Additionally, criminals and terrorists are not eligible for refugee status.
Refugee Integration
Persons granted refugee status, and thus eligible for asylum, will be integrated into Schwerdtan society. They are entitled to the same social and economic rights as Schwerdtan citizens. They have full access to medical treatment, housing, education, and employment. They are obliged to conform to the laws of Schwerdt.
