EXPLAINER: What is the asylum procedure in France?

Malacañang has announced that former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co is seeking political asylum in France shortly after being released from the custody of Czech authorities.

How does one apply for asylum in France, and how long does the process take?

In France, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said national authorities are responsible for processing applications for asylum or international protection and determining whether an individual qualifies.

Applicants must first go to the Structure de Premier Accueil des Demandeurs d’Asile (SPADA), which helps them secure an appointment at a dedicated asylum application service center.

Those living in the Île-de-France region must contact the French Office for Immigration and Integration by phone to obtain an appointment with a SPADA.

Applicants outside the region must go directly to the SPADA in their department of residence.

Once an appointment is secured through SPADA, applications are filed at the Guichet Unique de Demande d’Asile (GUDA), a one-stop shop for asylum seekers.

International law professor Atty. Ralph Sarmiento said applicants must demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, or political opinion, or show that they face a serious threat to their life.

“The GUDA will issue an asylum application certificate. Once you receive this, it means you have a pending application that will now be evaluated,” Sarmiento said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

Applicants then have 21 days to submit the required documents to the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA), which evaluates the request, conducts interviews, and decides whether to grant protection.

“You will have to establish, through a sworn narrative, the basis for claiming a well-founded fear of persecution or a serious risk of harm if you are returned to your country of origin,” Sarmiento explained.

Under French law, OFPRA has up to six months to decide on an application.

Sarmiento also noted that the Philippine government cannot intervene in the asylum process but may provide French authorities with documents to show that the applicant is not a victim of political persecution.

“The Philippine government can engage the French government through diplomatic channels by providing documents—for example, court records—to show that this is not political persecution but an ordinary criminal case involving graft, corruption, or malversation,” he said.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida earlier confirmed that Co—who is wanted in the Philippines on charges of corruption and malversation of public funds in connection with alleged ghost flood control projects—is no longer in Czech custody.

This came nearly two weeks after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Co was apprehended in Prague after entering the Czech Republic without proper documentation.

On Tuesday, Malacañang said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) received “highly reliable information” that Co has filed a petition for political asylum in France.

“He has requested transfer and is now under the jurisdiction of French authorities.

All missions in Europe have been instructed to obtain further official confirmation,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said.—MCG, GMA News