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The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) has issued new recommendations providing practical guidance on conducting distance interviews for international protection. The recommendations follow guidance issued by the European Commission to EU Member States, including with the involvement of EASO, on the application of EU asylum rules in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. These include the flexibility of interviews to be “conducted with specific arrangements, such as remotely”.
The new EASO Practical recommendations for conducting a personal interview from a distance aims to support EU+ Member States in the context of the current health emergency. As a result of the pandemic, preventive measures and social distancing have had consequences for conducting personal interviews with applicants for international protection. EASO’s recommendations provide a means of remedying this through practical advice on conducting a personal interview at a distance. This guide is primarily intended for national asylum authorities, policy makers and case workers.
EASO’s recommendations are based on good national practices from across Europe and existing EASO practical tools. In addition, the guidelines develop procedural safeguards that asylum authorities may wish to consider when preparing and conducting a remote personal interview. The guidelines cover various aspects related to conducting remote interviews, such as practical and technical measures, security and confidentiality. The guide also covers legal, quality, and vulnerability considerations. The overall aim is to ensure that remote face-to-face interviews are conducted to high quality standards in the best interests of candidates.
The guidelines contribute to EASO’s overall goal of supporting Member States in achieving common standards and high-quality processes within the Common European Asylum System. In this regard, EASO promotes communication between EU+ countries, the exchange of good practices, as well as the identification of coping mechanisms applicable in different national contexts.
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