NaCSA Mandate and Asylum Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Process with Timeline

 

NaCSA, mandated under the 2007 Refugee Protection Act, is responsible for ensuring asylum and refugee protection in Sierra Leone.

 

At the NaCSA office located at 14–16 Charlotte Street Freetown, 3rd Floor, individuals seeking asylum begin by submitting their claim form.

 

A confidential case file is immediately opened to safeguard personal information, and registration is completed to formally record the claim.

 

Within 14 days, NaCSA conducts an interview with the applicant to gather detailed information, followed by a review of supporting documents through an evidence checklist.

 

A decision form is then prepared, with determinations generally concluded within 90 days in line with the Act.

 

If the claim is approved, refugee documentation is issued promptly. If rejected, the applicant receives a written decision along with a clear explanation of the appeal procedure.

 

Appeals are reviewed by the Secretariat of the National Refugee Authority (SNRA) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which aims to finalize reviews within 60 days, ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to international standards of non-refoulement.

 

For inquiries or assistance, individuals may contact NaCSA at +23276686165, +078232788, or +23278155556.

 

Direct guidance is also available from Mr. Farama J. Bangura (+23276383340), Asylum Seeker & Migration Focal Person.