Author
The law provides that the applicant has to submit all documentation and evidence at their disposal which support their statements made in the application.[1] In practice this can also include medical reports regarding their past persecution or serious harm.
The preparation of a medical opinion, or any other type of expert opinion, can also be ordered by the Migration directorate, in which case the costs are covered by the State.[2] There are no criteria set in the law or administrative practice to indicate when a medical examination for the purpose of drafting a medical report should be carried out. No guidelines are in place to guarantee the use of the methodology laid down in the Istanbul Protocol.[3]
In practice, psychiatric and other medical evaluations have been successfully used to influence the decision on applicant’s credibility in some cases.[4]
In 2025, the medical evaluation was made in 6 cases. In 4 cases the medical examination was conducted in order to determine if the person is capable of participating in the procedure. In 2 cases, it was established that the applicant is not capable to independently participate in the procedure. Age assessment was conducted in 3 cases during 2025.[5]
[1] Article 21(2) IPA.
[2] Article 39 IPA.
[3] Official information provided by the Migration Directorate, March 2026.
[4] Observation by the PIC.
[5] Official statistics provided by the Migration directorate, March 2026.