Every applicant should have an effective opportunity to present his/her application for international protection. In most cases the personal interview is the main opportunity for the applicant to do that. In the case of applicants with special needs, special procedural guarantees may have to be put in place in order to ensure this right. The principles outlined below are applicable to the personal interview, as well as to any other interactions with the applicant.

For more complete guidance on the personal interview, the responsible officers can refer to the EASO Practical Guide: Personal Interview.

This section refers to the end of the first instance asylum procedure. It should be highlighted that the special needs of the person may be relevant beyond the end of the asylum procedure. Therefore, depending on the outcome of the procedure and on national practice, they should be communicated to other relevant actors.

Member States shall ensure that a person who has made an application for international protection has an effective opportunity to lodge it as soon as possible. Lodging of the application is the formal beginning of the asylum procedure.

The section on reception support refers to the provision of reception conditions, including access to appropriate accommodation, health care, psychological care and other relevant support services according to the applicant’s special needs.

It is often within the reception context that the special needs of the applicant would be more easily identified. Where appropriate, it should be ensured that identification and assessment of special needs done within the reception context is communicated to the authorities responsible for the asylum procedure.

At this stage the individual notifies the authorities that he/she wishes to apply for international protection. Registration of the application and lodging might not take place at this stage, depending on national practice and depending on whether or not the application is made with the competent authority.