Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Ubud is in Gianyar Regency, Bali, but it has no dedicated asylum office or tribunal. Refugee claims in Indonesia are generally registered and assessed by UNHCR, while Indonesian authorities handle immigration matters and coordinate responses involving refugees.
Indonesia is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. In practice, UNHCR conducts refugee status determination in Indonesia under its mandate, within the framework of Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016.
A lawyer cannot grant refugee status or replace UNHCR’s assessment. A lawyer can help explain the process, prepare a clear account and supporting documents, and address related immigration concerns. Procedures and services are more likely to require contact with Bali authorities or UNHCR in Denpasar than with an office in Ubud.
You fear being returned after a visa problem. If your permitted stay has expired or you have received an immigration notice in Bali, a lawyer can explain the immediate risks and help you contact the appropriate authorities or UNHCR.
You have been stopped or detained. If immigration officers have questioned or detained you in Gianyar or elsewhere in Bali, legal advice can help clarify your status, the documents requested, and available steps.
Your account involves events in more than one country. A lawyer can help organize dates, travel history, and evidence so your reasons for fearing return are presented consistently to UNHCR.
You lack identity papers or supporting evidence. A lawyer can help explain missing documents and identify other useful records, such as messages, medical records, or witness statements.
Your family members are in different places or have different circumstances. Advice can help you raise family links, children’s needs, and individual protection concerns with UNHCR.
You need to understand a decision or communication. A lawyer can explain what a letter means, whether a review or other step may be available, and any deadline stated in the document.
Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 on the Handling of Refugees from Abroad. Promulgated on 31 December 2016, it sets out how Indonesian authorities identify, secure, and coordinate assistance for refugees from abroad. It provides the domestic framework for handling refugees, while UNHCR conducts refugee status determination.
Law No. 6 of 2011 on Immigration. Promulgated on 5 May 2011, this law governs entry, stay, immigration supervision, detention, and removal. It is relevant when a person seeking protection also faces a visa, stay-permit, or removal issue.
Law No. 5 of 1998 ratifying the Convention against Torture. Promulgated on 28 October 1998, this law ratifies the Convention, including its safeguard against returning someone to a country where substantial grounds indicate a danger of torture. This protection is distinct from a refugee status decision.
Indonesia does not operate a national refugee status determination system like some countries. UNHCR assesses refugee claims under its mandate, while Indonesian authorities manage immigration and coordinate the handling of refugees.
There is no dedicated asylum office in Ubud. Contact UNHCR Indonesia for current registration instructions and seek advice from the relevant Bali immigration authority if your visa or stay status is also at issue.
UNHCR conducts refugee status determination in Indonesia. A lawyer may help you prepare and understand your claim, but cannot decide it or guarantee a particular outcome.
Under the refugee definition commonly applied by UNHCR, a person must generally show a well-founded fear of persecution linked to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a particular social group. Each claim depends on its facts and evidence; hardship or danger alone does not automatically establish refugee status.
No. You can contact UNHCR without hiring a lawyer, and legal representation is not required to make a claim. A lawyer may be helpful if your case involves detention, removal risk, complex evidence, or difficulty understanding official communications.
No. UNHCR registration or documentation is not an Indonesian visa or residence permit. Do not assume it resolves an immigration issue; get advice about your particular documents and status.
There is no reliable fixed timeline, and processing can take a long time. Timing depends on the claim, available appointments, evidence, and UNHCR’s workload; a lawyer cannot promise a decision date.
Refugees generally do not have a regular route to formal employment in Indonesia. Do not assume that a UNHCR document authorizes work, and seek current advice before accepting paid work.
There is no standard fee for private immigration or refugee-protection advice. Ask for a written scope, fee, and estimate before hiring; UNHCR services are free, so be cautious of anyone charging for access to UNHCR registration.
Gather passports, identity documents, travel and visa records, and any letters from Indonesian authorities or UNHCR. If available, keep evidence related to the harm you fear, such as messages, medical records, photographs, or witness details; do not alter documents.
Seek urgent advice from a lawyer and contact UNHCR as soon as possible. Share any removal notice or immigration document promptly, because available steps and deadlines depend on the circumstances and no intervention is guaranteed to stop removal.
UNHCR Indonesia. Provides information about refugee registration and status determination under UNHCR’s mandate. Its services are free; confirm current procedures through its official channels.
Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Immigration and Corrections. Handles immigration matters such as entry, stay, supervision, and enforcement. Confirm which Bali immigration office is responsible for your issue before attending.
Denpasar Immigration Detention House (Rumah Detensi Imigrasi Denpasar). This immigration facility is involved in immigration detention and related coordination in Bali. It is not a refugee status determination office.
Address urgent risks first. If you have been detained or received a removal notice, contact UNHCR and seek legal advice immediately, ideally the same day.
Write a short case chronology. Over the next one or two days, note key events, dates, countries, travel, family circumstances, and any contact with Indonesian authorities.
Organize your documents. Make copies of identity papers, visa records, official letters, and evidence supporting your fear of return. Keep originals secure and do not submit altered documents.
Identify an advocate with relevant experience. Ask prospective lawyers about their work with Indonesian immigration matters and UNHCR refugee procedures, and verify their professional credentials.
Ask about the service and fee before agreeing. Request a written explanation of the work covered, expected costs, translation charges, and any limits on representation. Compare options where time allows.
Confirm the next procedural step. Ask the lawyer to identify who must be contacted, what documents are needed, and whether any date or deadline applies. Contact UNHCR directly for its current registration instructions.
Keep a record of follow-up. Save copies of submissions and communications, note appointment dates, and promptly tell your lawyer about new notices or changes in your circumstances.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Ubud through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Asylum, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Ubud, Indonesia — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
