Asylum Lawyers near Kedurus

Where refugee protection cases from Kedurus are handled

Kedurus is a kelurahan in Karangpilang, Surabaya, but Indonesia has no local asylum court or city office that grants asylum. People living there generally need to deal with immigration authorities serving Surabaya and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which conducts refugee status determination in Indonesia.

Under Indonesia’s procedures, immigration officials and other authorities may identify and refer people seeking protection, while UNHCR assesses whether they qualify as refugees. A lawyer can help explain the process, prepare a consistent account and communicate with authorities, but cannot guarantee registration or a positive decision.

Indonesia is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. Its domestic framework still provides for handling refugees from abroad, so a person in Kedurus should not assume that a municipal application or ordinary immigration permit is the same as a refugee claim.

When a lawyer can make a practical difference

• You have been stopped or detained after arriving in Surabaya. A lawyer can clarify which immigration office or detention authority is handling your case and help you communicate your protection concerns promptly.

• You arrived through Juanda Airport or Tanjung Perak Port. If officials question you about travel documents, entry or onward travel, legal advice can help you explain why returning to your home country may be unsafe.

• You are waiting for UNHCR contact or an interview while living in Kedurus. A lawyer can help organise identity records, family information and a clear account of past harm without presenting unsupported details.

• Your family members have different documents or travel histories. Advice can help identify inconsistencies and explain how to present each person’s circumstances accurately.

• You receive an immigration notice, reporting requirement or removal-related communication. A lawyer can explain the deadline, the authority involved and what steps may be available before you respond.

• You have experienced exploitation, violence or a serious health problem in Surabaya. A lawyer can help you seek appropriate referrals and explain whether those events affect your protection claim or immediate safety.

Indonesian laws relevant to refugee protection

Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 on the Handling of Refugees from Abroad is the central domestic regulation for identifying and handling refugees in Indonesia. It was issued on 31 December 2016 and sets out roles for agencies including immigration, police and local government; it does not create a local asylum court in Kedurus.

Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration governs entry, residence and immigration enforcement. It was amended by Law No. 6 of 2023, enacted on 31 March 2023, so advice should take account of the current amended text as well as the refugee-handling regulation.

Law No. 5 of 1998 ratified the Convention against Torture. The Convention includes a prohibition on returning a person to a state where there are substantial grounds for believing they would face torture; how that protection applies to an individual case requires careful legal assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for asylum at the Kedurus kelurahan office?

No. The kelurahan is not an authority that grants refugee status. People in Kedurus generally need to follow the national immigration and UNHCR procedures.

Do I need a lawyer to contact UNHCR?

A lawyer is not generally a prerequisite for seeking UNHCR protection. Legal advice can still help with preparing your account, understanding communications and responding to immigration issues.

Who decides whether I qualify as a refugee?

UNHCR conducts refugee status determination in Indonesia under its mandate. Indonesian authorities have roles in identifying and handling people seeking protection, but a lawyer cannot decide the outcome.

What does a lawyer cost in Surabaya?

There is no single official fee for private legal representation in a refugee matter. Ask for a written fee proposal covering consultations, document review, interpretation and any continuing work; UNHCR services are free.

How long does refugee status determination take?

There is no reliable fixed timeline for registration, interviews or a decision. Timing depends on the case and the current UNHCR process, so confirm any expected steps through official UNHCR channels.

What information should I prepare?

Gather identity and travel documents, any official notices, and records supporting your account, if safely available. Prepare a truthful timeline of events and explain gaps or differences rather than altering or guessing details.

Can I seek protection if I entered Indonesia without valid documents?

Irregular entry does not by itself answer whether someone has a refugee protection claim. It can create immigration issues, so explain your circumstances promptly to a lawyer and the relevant authorities.

Can I be returned to my home country while my claim is pending?

That depends on the facts, the stage of the case and the authorities involved. If you fear torture or other serious harm, state that clearly and seek urgent legal advice before any removal or travel step.

Can I work while waiting for a decision?

Do not assume that registering a protection claim gives permission to work. Ask a lawyer or the relevant authorities about your current status and any restrictions that apply to you.

Is refugee status the same as an Indonesian visa?

No. Refugee status and immigration permission are different matters, and a UNHCR document should not be assumed to be a visa or residence permit. Ask for advice about what each document allows in your circumstances.

Can my spouse or children be included in my case?

Tell UNHCR and your lawyer about each family member and provide accurate identity and relationship information. The way family members are processed may depend on their individual circumstances and the applicable procedure.

What if I disagree with a UNHCR decision?

Ask for the decision and any review or appeal instructions, including deadlines, in a language you understand. A lawyer can assess available steps, but should not promise that a decision will be changed.

Official resources for people in Kedurus

• Surabaya Immigration Office (Kantor Imigrasi Kelas I Khusus TPI Surabaya): handles immigration matters within its area, including enquiries about immigration notices and reporting requirements. Confirm the correct office and current procedure before travelling.

• UNHCR Indonesia: provides information about refugee registration and status determination in Indonesia. Use its official channels to check current procedures; UNHCR services are free.

• Surabaya City Social Service (Dinas Sosial Kota Surabaya): provides local social-service functions and may help direct people to appropriate city support. It does not decide refugee status.

Steps to find and hire a refugee protection lawyer

1. Collect urgent papers first. Keep passports, identity records, immigration notices and UNHCR communications together. If a notice gives a deadline, seek advice immediately rather than waiting to assemble a complete file.

2. Identify the immediate issue. Write down whether the matter concerns registration, an interview, detention, a reporting requirement or possible removal. This helps you find counsel with relevant refugee and immigration experience in Surabaya.

3. Arrange an initial consultation within a few days if possible. Ask whether the lawyer has handled UNHCR procedures and Indonesian immigration matters, and whether interpretation is available in a language you understand.

4. Ask for a written scope and fee estimate before hiring. Confirm what the lawyer will do, what is excluded, how costs are charged and whether urgent work costs extra. Do not pay anyone who guarantees refugee status or a particular decision.

5. Check communication and confidentiality. Agree how updates will be provided and who may receive your information. Share accurate facts, including details that may seem difficult or inconsistent.

6. Confirm every filing and deadline. Keep copies of submissions and proof of delivery, and ask the lawyer to explain the next expected step. Follow official instructions and contact the lawyer promptly if your circumstances or contact details change.