Date of publication:

01/07/2026

Somalia

Do domestic laws and policies provide for fair asylum procedures on appeal?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland uphold key procedural safeguards in the asylum process, ensuring due process and access to justice for asylum-seekers.  The Somalia Refugees and Asylum Seekers Law  and The Puntland Refugee Protection Law provides for the right to appeal negative asylum decisions before an independent review body and allows asylum-seekers to seek legal assistance. Similarly, Somaliland’s Refugees and Asylum Seekers Law grants asylum-seekers the right to challenge adverse decisions in court, ensuring oversight of refugee status determinations. Both legal frameworks emphasize the right to legal representation, recognizing the importance of fair hearings, due process, and non-arbitrary decision-making in compliance with international refugee protection standards. 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Puntland Refugee Protection Law
    • Year: 2016
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation

    Legal provision

    Article 25 - Establishment of Appeals Board

    There shall be established an Appeal Board, which shall consider and decide appeals arising from the actions and decisions in accordance with the law.

    Article 12.1 - Appeal to Supreme Court

    Any person dissatisfied by the decision of the Appeal Board may lodge appeal for administrative review of the decision to the Supreme Court

    Article 11.1 - Appeal to Appeal Board

    Any person whether by himself or by representative may lodge an appeal for consideration to the Appeal Board within thirty days of receiving a written communication from the Director relating to a rejection of his claim for refugee status.

    Article 30.6 - General rights and obligations of Refugees

    In cases where a Refugee demonstrates the inability to afford or obtain legal assistance, the Puntland Government shall appoint a lawyer for any Refugee who is accused in a criminal matter or who is subject to an application for an order under Article 8 of this Law.

    Somaliland Refugee Protection Law
    • Year: 2023
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation

    Legal provision

    Article 27 - Appeal to the High Court

    The Board's decisions are administrative decisions and the applicant can appeal to the High Court if he is not satisfied with the Board's decision within 30 days.

    Somalia Refugees and Asylum Seekers Law
    • Year: 2023
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation

    Legal provision

    Article 31.1 - Somalia Refugee Law:

    The Appeals Board shall have the authority to hear and determine appeals against decisions made by the Committee.