Personal Interview & Assessment
After your application has been lodged, and if Malta is determined to be the responsible Member State for its examination, you will be called for a personal interview with the International Protection Agency. You are encouraged to prepare yourself in advance for your interview, by reflecting on the reasons why you are in need of international protection.
What questions will they ask me?
The IPA officer will ask you questions about your personal background and story. It is important that you are truthful and cooperate at all times by inter alia providing as much detailed information as possible. Amongst other things, the IPA officer will ask you questions about:
- Your identity;
- The reason(s) why you left your country of origin;
- The reasons why you do not wish to return to your country of origin;
- The reasons why you could not find safety in a different part of your country of origin;
- The problems you could face if you were to return to your country of origin.
Do I have the right to legal assistance during the interview?
You have the right to be accompanied by a lawyer to your personal interview. However, you are not entitled to free legal assistance at this stage of the procedure. This means that should you wish to be assisted by a lawyer, you’ll either have to pay for such a service by contacting a local legal firm or lawyer, or else contact a local NGO that provides legal support. Please keep in mind that only one lawyer is allowed to accompany you to your interview. The necessary arrangements to be assisted by a lawyer shall be made prior to the date of the personal interview If the lawyer fails to show up for your personal interview, the IPA has the right to still proceed with the interview.
What if I am unable to attend my interview?
If you are unable to attend your personal interview due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., due to illness), please inform the IPA as soon as possible and, by no later than 8:00 am on the day of your appointment, by sending an e-mail to notifications.ipa@ipa.gov.mt. You will have to provide evidence to substantiate your absence, for example, a medical certificate.
Can I be called for a further questioning?
Yes, if the International Protection Agency needs additional information, or would like to clarify some of the information that you provided during your personal interview, you may be called for further questioning. The same procedures for the personal interview, including if you are absent without a valid reason, also apply in case you are called for further questioning.
What will happen after the personal interview?
Following your personal interview, the International Protection Agency will try its best to assess your asylum application in a timely manner. During this period, the Agency examines all elements relating to your application for international protection, including your verbal and written declarations, and any documentary and/or other evidence you may have submitted, according to the applicable legal framework.
