16 June 2011
Belarus grants refugee status to 830 people
MINSK, 16 June (BelTA) – As of 1 June 2011, 830 people from 13 countries worldwide had refugee status in Belarus, BelTA learnt from the international public association Development. The bulk of refugees comes from the non-CIS states, mostly Afghanistan (588). The recognized refugees include citizens of Georgia (134), Tajikistan (32), Azerbaijan (29), Ethiopia (23), Palestine (9), Iran (8), India (2) and one from Armenia, Iraq, Cameroon, Liberia and Rwanda. Since 1997 when Belarus started granting refugee status, about 3,300 asylum seekers applied to migration services. Belarus is constantly improving refugee legislation. In July 2009, the new law “On granting refugee status to foreign nationals and stateless persons and providing additional and temporary protection in the Republic of Belarus” came into force. This law provides for additional protection of foreign citizens in our country. As of 1 June 2011, it was provided to three foreigners. One of them (an Iranian national) has already received a refugee status. In recent years, more refugees have used their legal right to apply for Belarus’ citizenship. Under the national legislation, a foreigner can become a citizen of the Republic of Belarus seven years after receiving the refugee status.БЕЛТА