Guatemala asylum: applying for refugee status

Article 4 of the regulation on refugee protection covers people in Guatemala who fear persecution for race, religion, nationality, membership of a social group or political opinion; people fleeing because their life, safety or freedom is threatened by generalised violence, foreign aggression, internal conflict or massive human rights violations; and people persecuted through sexual violence or other gender-based persecution or because of sexual orientation.

Apply in writing or orally to the IGM, either at a border control post of the Migration Control Office or at the DRER offices of the Office for the Care and Protection of Migrants' Fundamental Rights. The DRER processes the claim and issues a technical report to CONARE, which gives recommendations to the National Migration Authority; the Authority grants or refuses the status.

While the claim is pending you hold a provisional stay status that must be renewed every 30 days, which can be done online through the IGM services portal (Atención y Protección). If you take no action for six months the claim is declared abandoned and archived. You must keep the DRER informed of where you live and work and where your children study.

Applicants can obtain a special personal identity document from the National Registry of Persons (RENAP), request a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and access health care and education without needing school certificates. To leave Guatemala, request authorisation at the DRER five days in advance, with your identity document, tickets or vehicle papers and your valid provisional status certificate.

If the decision is negative, you have 10 days to file an appeal for reconsideration (recurso de reposición) with the National Migration Authority; if it confirms the refusal, you can seek judicial review. If recognised, you receive the certificates needed to register as a temporary resident refugee with the Foreigners' Office and obtain the DPI for domiciled foreigners from RENAP. Residence fees and certificates are waived for recognised refugees and child applicants.