Safe countries and accelerated procedures

Who is this for

People whose application may be handled faster than usual. This area changes often; check the date at the top of the page.

What it means

• Safe country of origin. The State keeps a list of countries it treats as generally safe. If you come from one, your application can be examined in an accelerated procedure. You can still explain why your country is not safe for you, with evidence.
• Accelerated procedure. Shorter steps and deadlines. Your right to a fair interview remains.
• Border procedure. A faster procedure used at the border or in transit zones after screening. Appeal deadlines can be much shorter. People who are especially vulnerable and unaccompanied minors should be excluded: tell the officer about your situation.

What to do

1. Say clearly in the interview if your country is not safe for you and why.
2. Ask in writing, or through a lawyer, to be examined in the ordinary procedure if you are vulnerable.
3. Write down every deadline you are given. See protection-appeals-and-deadlines.
4. Contact free legal help early (protection-free-help-directory).