Date of publication:

01/07/2026

Tajikistan

Do domestic laws and policies provide for the cessation of refugee status?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

According to Article No. 13 of the Refugee Law of the Republic of Tajikistan, refugee status is terminated in the following cases:

  1. The person obtains a residence permit in the Republic of Tajikistan.
  2. The person acquires the citizenship of Tajikistan or another country.
  3. The person moves to another country for permanent residence.
  4. The person can no longer rely on the protection of the country in which they previously resided, as the circumstances that led to their recognition as a refugee no longer exist.
  5. The person voluntarily returns to the protection of their country of citizenship or residence.
  6. The person voluntarily returns to the country they left due to the risk of persecution.

Additionally, refugee status may be lost in the following cases:

  • If the person provided knowingly false information or forged documents that were used as the basis for granting them refugee status.
  • If the person poses a threat to national security, the constitutional order, public order, health, or morality of the population of Tajikistan.
  • If circumstances outlined in Article 3 of the Law are found to apply.

A decision to terminate or revoke refugee status is made by a joint permanent commission for determining refugee status within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The notification of the decision, including the reasons and the procedure for appeal, must be delivered or sent to the individual by the Ministry of Internal Affairs within five working days of the decision.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is obligated to inform the relevant authority of the decision, remove the individual from the register, and request the departure of the individual and their family members from Tajikistan. In the event of the loss or revocation of refugee status, the refugee certificate becomes invalid and must be surrendered to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

If the individual loses their refugee status or has it revoked and does not appeal the decision, they must leave the Republic of Tajikistan within one month of receiving the notification and also vacate the accommodation provided for temporary settlement.

These measures apply to the family members of the individual who has lost or had their refugee status revoked.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on Refugees

    Legal provision

    Article No.13 - Termination of refugee status and its revocation

    Refugee status is terminated in several situations, such as acquiring permanent residence or citizenship in another country, voluntarily returning to their home country, or when the circumstances that led to their refugee status no longer exist. A person can also lose refugee status if they provide false information or documents, pose a threat to national security, or meet conditions outlined in the law. The decision to terminate or re-voke refugee sta-tus is made by a joint commission of internal affairs agencies. The person is notified within five working days. If refugee status is lost, the person must leave Tajikistan within a month if they do not appeal the de-cision. If refugee status is revoked, they lose the right to use temporary housing provided by the authorities.