Slovenia is bound by the recast Qualification Directive (Standards Qualification Regulation) and has transposed its provisions through the International Protection Act (IPA) | Zakon o mednarodni zaščiti (ZMZ-1).

Legal provisions relating to review, renewal and withdrawal of refugee status: Termination and withdrawal of international protection status is regulated in Articles 67 to 69 IPA. According to Article 69 (1) IPA, the Migration Directorate may initiate the procedure for termination or withdrawal or status if it becomes aware that reasons stipulated in Articles 67 and 68 IPA exist.

Length of the first and subsequent residence permits: Refugee status is granted for an indefinite period. Refugees receive a permanent residence permit (Article 92(1) IPA) with a duration of 10 years (AIDA: Slovenia 2023).

Review of the status: The Migration Directorate is the competent authority to review the status. According to information from civil society organisations, there is no systematic review of protection status in Slovenia.

Renewal of the status: Refugee status does not expire; it is granted for an indefinite period and does not need to be renewed.

Withdrawal of the status: The Migration Directorate decides on the withdrawal of refugee status. The Migration Directorate may initiate the withdrawal procedure if it becomes aware of circumstances that indicate reasons for withdrawing refugee status (Article 69(1) IPA). The Migration Directorate informs the person with recognised refugee status in writing about the start of the procedure and states the reasons for initiating the procedure (Article 69(2) IPA). Before taking a decision, the Migration Department allows the refugee to present reasons in a personal interview why the refugee status should not be withdrawn (Article 69(3) IPA). The Migration Department issues a decision on withdrawing refugee status (Article 69(7) IPA).

For a negative decision, the Migration Department sets a 10-day deadline for a voluntary departure (Article 49(10) IPA). The competent authority may, for duly justified reasons, set a 30-day time limit for voluntary departure. The time limit for voluntary departure shall not be set for a person in the event where the refugee status has been withdrawn on the basis of him or her constituting a threat to the security to the integrity of the Republic of Slovenia, or when after being criminally convicted in Slovenia for a serious criminal offense, they were considered a threat to the Republic of Slovenia.

The period for a voluntary departure begins to run on the day when the decision or decision on international protection is enforceable (Article 49(11) IPA). The refugee can also file an application for a judicial review against the decision before the Administrative Court in 15 days (Article 70(1) IPA). The application has a suspensive effect (Article 70(3) IPA). Refugee counsellors provide support and legal assistance in the appeal procedure to appellants before the Administrative Court and the Supreme Court (Article 9(1) IPA).

Grounds for withdrawal of the status: Grounds for withdrawal of refugee status are regulated in Article 68 (1) of the IPA. A refugee status is withdrawn if any of the exclusion grounds from refugee status of Article 31 (1) IPA is established after the status has been granted, or if the misrepresentation or omission of facts, including the use of false documents, was decisive in the granting of refugee status, if there are reasonable grounds for considering them to be a threat to the security or territorial integrity of the Republic of Slovenia, which is manifested in particular by a threat to sovereignty, to the fulfilment of international obligations and to the protection of the constitutional order, or if after having been convicted by a final judgement for a serious criminal offence, they are considered a threat to the Republic of Slovenia.

Furthermore, according to Article 67(4), (5), (6) of the IPA, the refugee status also ceases if a person under international protection dies, acquires the citizenship of the Republic of Slovenia, or where a person under international protection unequivocally relinquishes protection.

Consequences of the withdrawal of the status: As for any other decision, the person whose refugee status was withdrawn (or it ceased), may file an action with the court within 15 days of the service of the decision (Article 70 of the IPA). The status (and the residence permit) ceases when the decision becomes final.

The competent authority also sets a 10-day deadline for a voluntary departure (Article 49(10) of the IPA). The period for a voluntary departure begins to run on the day when the decision or decision on international protection is enforceable (Article 49(11) of the IPA). The competent authority may, for duly justified reasons, set a 30-day time limit for voluntary departure. The time limit for voluntary departure shall not be set for a person in the event, where the person's refugee status has been withdrawn on the basis of indent three or four of paragraph one of Article 68.

The person concerned may acquire a residence permit in line with Foreigners Act after the cessation of the refugee status. According to Article 52(4) a foreigner whose international protection status has ceased on grounds for the termination of international protection specified in the Act governing international protection and who has applied for a permanent residence permit at the competent authority in the Republic of Slovenia within ten days of the termination of temporary protection status may be issued a permanent residence permit by the competent authority in the area of his or her residence, if he or she has resided in the Republic of Slovenia legally and continuously for five years in accordance with the provisions of the Act governing international protection and if he or she complies with other conditions for being issued a permit laid down in paragraph one of this Article. He or she shall be issued a certificate of timely application, which shall serve as a residence permit until the administratively final decision on the application.

Legal provisions relating to review, renewal and withdrawal of subsidiary protection: Renewal of subsidiary protection is regulated in Article 66 IPA. Termination and withdrawal of international protection status is regulated in Articles 67 to 69 IPA. According to Article 69 (1) IPA, the Migration Directorate may initiate the procedure for termination or withdrawal or status if it becomes aware that reasons stipulated in Articles 67 and 68 IPA exist.

Length of the first and subsequent residence permits: Subsidiary protect is recognised for a limited time with the possibility of an extension. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection receive a temporary residence permit (Article 92 (2) IPA) with a duration that ranges between 1-5 years. The residence permit can be renewed if subsidiary protection is extended. A card with a duration of 1 year is issued, following the extension procedure. If subsidiary protection is extended, it is automatically extended for 2 years (Article 66(6) IPA).

Review of the status: The Migration Directorate reviews the subsidiary protection status. There is no review of the subsidiary protection status as such, however, there is a procedure in place for extending (renewal) the subsidiary protection and the review of the status is part of that procedure, as the competent authority verifies the existence of grounds for the extension of subsidiary protection.

During the procedure itself for extending the subsidiary protection, the beneficiary doesn’t have a right to a refugee counsel (this right is only applicable in second and third instance).

Renewal of the status: The Ministry of the Interior renews subsidiary protection status. The ministry sends a written notification (about the requirements for extending subsidiary protection, the consequences if the extension is not claimed and the possibility to file a request to initiate a renewed procedure) to the beneficiary of subsidiary protection 60 days before the expiry of the status. The notification also includes a form with which the person under subsidiary protection may apply for an extension of the residence permit (Article 66(1) IPA). The person must return a completed form, which functions as an application for the extension of subsidiary protection, to the competent authority 30 days before the expiry of the status (Article 66(3) IPA). After receiving the completed form, the competent authority issues a decision by which it establishes that the person referred to is in a procedure to extend subsidiary protection (Article 66(4) IPA).

The competent authority conducts an interview with the person and verifies the existence of reasons for the extension of subsidiary protection (Article 66(5) IPA). If reasons for an extension exist, the competent authority issues a decision extending subsidiary protection for 2 years (Article 66(6) IPA). If the person does not fulfil the conditions for an extension, the competent authority issues a decision rejecting the application for the extension of subsidiary protection (Article 66(7) IPA).

If it is established in the procedure for an extension of subsidiary protection that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the person has committed a crime against peace, a war crime or a crime against humanity, as defined by international acts; or there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that he/she has committed acts that are contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations, set forth in the Preamble and in Articles 1 and 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, subsidiary protection is not extended (Article 66(8) IPA). Until the procedure for the extension of subsidiary protection is concluded with a final decision, the person may not file a request to initiate a renewed procedure or file a new application (Article 66(11) IPA). If a person explicitly withdraws the application before a decision is taken on the extension, acquires refugee status in court proceedings, is granted citizenship or acquires the citizenship of another country, the competent authority terminates the procedure (Article 66(9) IPA).

For a negative decision, the competent authority sets a 10-day deadline for a voluntary departure (Article 49(1) IPA). The period for a voluntary departure begins to run on the day when the decision or decision on international protection is enforceable (Article 49(11) IPA). The competent authority may, for duly justified reasons, set a 30-day time limit for voluntary departure. No time limit for voluntary departure shall be set in cases where the applicant was excluded from subsidiary protection status based on Article 31(1) and (4) IPA.

Withdrawal of the status: The Migration Directorate decides on the withdrawal of subsidiary protection status. The Migration Directorate may initiate the withdrawal procedure if it becomes aware of reasons for withdrawing subsidiary protection (Article 69(1) IPA). The Migration Directorate informs the person with recognised subsidiary protection in writing about the start of the procedure and states the reasons for initiating the procedure (Article 69(2) IPA). Before taking a decision, the beneficiary can present reasons in a personal interview why the international protection status should not be withdrawn (Article 69(3) IPA). The Migration Department issues a decision on withdrawing the status of subsidiary protection (Article 69(7) IPA).

For a negative decision, the Migration Department sets a 10-day deadline for a voluntary departure (Article 49(10) IPA). The period for a voluntary departure begins to run on the day when the decision or decision on international protection is enforceable (Article 49(11) IPA). The beneficiary can also file an application for a judicial review against the decision before the Administrative Court in 15 days (Article 70(1) IPA). The application has a suspensive effect (Article 70(3) IPA). Refugee counsellors provide support and legal assistance in the appeal procedures to appellants at the Administrative Court and the Supreme Court (Article 9(1) IPA).

Grounds for the withdrawal of the status: Grounds for the withdrawal of refugee status are envisaged in Article 68(2) IPA. A person's subsidiary protection is withdrawn if any of the exclusion grounds from subsidiary protection regulated in Article 31 of the IPA is established, if prior to admission to the Republic of Slovenia, the applicant committed one or more criminal offences punishable by imprisonment in the Republic of Slovenia left the country of origin solely to avoid punishment resulting from these offences, or if the misrepresentation or omission of facts, including the use of false documents, was decisive in the granting of subsidiary protection.

Consequences of the withdrawal of the status: As for any other decision, the person whose subsidiary protection status was withdrawn (or it ceased), may file an action with the court within 15 days of the service of the decision (Article 70 of the IPA). The status (and the residence permit) ceases when the decision becomes final.

The competent authority also sets a 10-day deadline for a voluntary departure (Article 49(10) of the IPA). The period for a voluntary departure begins to run on the day when the decision or decision on international protection is enforceable (Article 49(11) of the IPA). The competent authority may, for duly justified reasons, set a 30-day time limit for voluntary departure. No time limit shall be set in cases where the applicant was withdrawn his subsidiary protection status based on Article 68 (2) (1) and (2).

In terms of obtaining a residence permit, Foreigners Act states in Article 52(5); A foreigner granted subsidiary protection status who has not applied for the extension of subsidiary protection or for a subsequent procedure in accordance with the provisions of the Act governing international protection and who has applied for a permanent residence permit with the competent authority in the Republic of Slovenia 30 days before the expiry of subsidiary protection may be issued a permanent residence permit by the competent authority in the area of his or her residence, if he or she has resided in the Republic of Slovenia legally and continuously for five years in accordance with the provisions of the Act governing international protection and if he or she complies with other conditions for being issued a permit specified in paragraph one of this Article. He or she shall be issued a certificate of timely application, which shall serve as a residence permit until the administratively final decision on the application. If a foreigner granted subsidiary protection is employed, performs work or works as a self-employed person at the time of applying for a permanent residence permit, he or she may reside and work in the Republic of Slovenia on the basis of a certificate of application for a permanent residence permit until the administrative final decision on the application. If pending a decision on the application for a permanent residence permit a foreigner also applies for the extension of subsidiary protection or for a subsequent procedure in accordance with the Act governing international protection, the procedure for issuing a temporary residence permit shall be suspended.

Legal provisions relating to the review, renewal and withdrawal of national forms of protection: N/a

Length of the first and subsequent residence permits: N/a

Review of the status: N/a

Renewal of the status: N/a

Withdrawal of the status: N/a

Grounds for the withdrawal of the status: N/a

Consequences of the withdrawal of the status: N/a

Relevant legal provisions: Chapter VIII of the International Protection Act: Rights and Duties of Persons with Recognised International Protection (Articles 90-106).

There is no difference between the legal provisions detailing content of protection for refugee status and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, as their rights and obligations are the same.

Authority responsible and legislative provisions for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: The Integration Division of the UOIM is responsible for ensuring beneficiaries of international protection are informed about their rights and obligations relating to their status (UOIM: About the office of the UOIM). Beneficiaries of international protection have the right to be provided with information about their status, rights and duties as persons recognised with international protection (Article 90(1), point 1 IPA).

Format of the provision of information: In line with Article 91 of the IPA The office (Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants) shall inform a person under international protection, in a language they understand, as soon as possible after the granting of status, of the rights and obligations facilitating their integration into society, in particular of accommodation options, access to financial assistance, social assistance and healthcare, education, employment and free legal aid. This is further defined in Article 2 of Regulation on the methods and conditions for granting rights to persons with recognized international protection.

The Office provides persons with recognized international protection with information from Article 91 of the International Protection Act in electronic form and through individual counselling. In accordance with the needs, it also provides information to the authorities dealing with these persons, other state authorities, and international and non-governmental organizations.

The UOIM has a dedicated website which provides information on the rights and obligations of persons with recognised international protection.

Refugees

Authority responsible for delivering the residence permit: Migration Directorate.

Length of first and subsequent residence permits: 10 years (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Procedure for delivering the residence permit (including timelines): The residence card is issued with the help of integration staff of the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants (UOIM) (Article 92(3) IPA).

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Authority responsible for delivering the residence permit: Migration Directorate

Length of first and subsequent residence permits: Between 1-5 years (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023). The residence permit can be renewed if subsidiary protection is extended. A card with a duration of 1 year is issued, following the extension procedure. If subsidiary protection is extended, it is automatically extended for 2 years in line with the provisions of the IPA (Article 66(6) IPA).

Procedure for delivering the residence permit (including timelines): The residence card is issued with the help from integration staff of the UOIM (Article 92(3) IPA).

Refugees

Authority responsible for delivering the travel document: The Ministry of the Interior (Article 6 Rules on the content, format and method of issuing passports to refugees).

Validity period of the travel document: 10 years (Article 111(3) IPA).

Procedure for delivering the travel document (including the necessity to pay any fees): Refugees apply for the refugee passport with the Ministry of the Interior (Article 6 Rules on the content, format and method of issuing passports to refugees) which must issue the document in 15 days (Article 111 IPA). A EUR 39.30 fee is applied for issuing a travel document for a person with a refugee status.

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Authority responsible for delivering the travel document: The Administrative Unit of the place of residence (Article 98(3) Foreigners Act).

Validity period of the travel document: For the period of subsidiary protection (Article 113(2) IPA).

Procedure for delivering the travel document (including the necessity to pay any fees): Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection apply for the passport for foreigners with the Administrative Unit of the place of residence (Article 98(3) Foreigners Act). A beneficiary of subsidiary protection without their own means of subsistence, or whose livelihood is not guaranteed in another way, is exempted from paying the administrative fee and printing costs for issuing a passport (Article 113(3) IPA). 

Beneficiaries of international protection have freedom of movement within the territory of Slovenia (Article 32 Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia). Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and to choose the place of residence (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Right to access the labour market: Beneficiaries of international protection have rights to employment in accordance with the regulations governing the employment and work of foreigners (Article 102(1) IPA).

Administrative steps for employment: Beneficiaries of international protection have free access to the labour market, which means that they do not need a work permit and employers may employ them under the same conditions as Slovenian citizens (UNHCR Slovenia: Employment for refugees and asylum seekers).

Access to employment-related educational opportunities for adults and vocational training (including training courses for upgrading professional skills): Beneficiaries of international protection have access to active employment policy programmes and vocational trainings (AIDA: Slovenia 2023).

Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Minors’ right and conditions to access education (pre-school, primary school, secondary school, post-secondary and tertiary education): Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to the same rights regarding pre-school, primary, secondary and higher as nationals (Article 101 (1) IPA).

Additional support provided to minors for education, including access to grants and loans: Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to state scholarship and accommodation in student dormitories under the same conditions as citizens of Slovenia (Article 101(2) IPA).

Adults’ right and conditions to access education: Adult refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are entitled to the same rights adult as nationals (Article 101(1) IPA).

Additional support provided to adults for education, including access to grants and loans: In terms of applying for grants and loans, the same regulative frame applies as for citizens (social security legislative framework or possibility of scholarships for extraordinary students).

As for specific help that is provided for beneficiaries of international protection, this is regulated in Articles 32 and 33 of Regulation on the methods and conditions for granting rights to persons with recognised international protection.:

1. A person with recognized international protection who cannot prove their formal education with documents may enroll in the first year of higher vocational education programs on the basis of a certificate of successful completion of a knowledge test issued by the National Examination Center (hereinafter: RIC) and a successfully completed test of special aptitude, skills, and psychophysical abilities, if specified by the educational program.
2. A person with recognized international protection from the previous paragraph shall, upon enrolment in a program with enrolment restrictions, be placed on the list of accepted persons on the basis of the certificate from the previous paragraph and a successfully completed test of special aptitude, skills, and psychophysical abilities, if specified by the educational program.

Article 33 (enrolment in higher education study programs):

1. A person with recognized international protection who cannot prove their formal education with documents may enroll in the first year of first-cycle higher education study programs on the basis of a certificate of successful completion of a knowledge test issued by RIC and a certificate of successful completion of a test of special aptitude and psychophysical abilities, if specified by the study program.
2. A person with recognized international protection from the previous paragraph may enroll in study programs with enrollment restrictions if they have the certificate from the previous paragraph and have passed a test of special aptitude and psychophysical abilities, if specified by the study program.
3. For the enrollment of persons referred to in the first paragraph of this Article, higher education institutions shall announce an additional number of available enrollment places. Higher education institutions shall determine the detailed conditions regarding the number of available enrollment places by means of an enrollment announcement in accordance with the law governing higher education.

Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Conditions to access the procedure for the recognition of qualifications and validation of skills: Beneficiaries of international protection without their own means of subsistence, who have concluded a contract on integration, can have their educational qualifications verified free of charge, 1 year from the conclusion of the contract. The right to cover the costs is extended for beneficiaries of international protection for another year, if he/she has attended at least 80% of the Slovenian language course and the court to learn about Slovenian society and has attended an interview with the integration consultant at least once a month (Article 101(3) IPA).

Procedure to follow for the recognition of foreign diplomats, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications: Employment services provide support in the recognition of education and obtaining qualifications.

Refugees

There is no difference between the legal provisions detailing content of protection for refugee status and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, as their rights and obligations are the same.

Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same rights in accessing social security and social assistance in Slovenia.

Refugees are entitled to social benefits under the same conditions as citizens in line with the national social security system (Article 99 IPA).

Conditions to access social security and social assistance: If refugees do not have an income or their income is lower than the minimum income defined each year by the government, the beneficiary can apply for financial social assistance. To be eligible for financial social assistance, the refugee must meet the following conditions: they and their family members must not have assets enabling their subsistence and there must be no other subsistence options, they must also be actively seeking a solution, such as actively searching for work, being registered with the Employment Service or participating in their programmes. The Centre for Social Work | Centri Za Socialno Delo Slovenije grants financial social assistance, and beneficiaries of international protection can visit their centres across 16 regions (UNHCR Slovenia: Social support for refugees and asylum seekers).

Special social assistance: Municipalities may provide additional social assistance to refugees, aside from the national social security system (AIDA: Slovenia 2023).

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

There is no difference between the legal provisions detailing content of protection for refugee status and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, as their rights and obligations are the same.

Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same rights in accessing social security and social assistance in Slovenia.

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are entitled to social benefits under the same conditions as citizens in line with the national social security system (Article 99 IPA).

Conditions to access social security and social assistance: If beneficiaries of subsidiary protection do not have an income or their income is lower than the minimum income defined each year by the government, the beneficiary can apply for financial social assistance. To be eligible for financial social assistance, the beneficiary of subsidiary protection must meet the following conditions: they and their family members must not have assets enabling their subsistence and there must be no other subsistence options, they must also be actively seeking a solution, such as actively searching for work, being registered with the Employment Service or participating in their programmes. The Centre for Social Work | Centri Za Socialno Delo Slovenije grants financial social assistance, and beneficiaries of international protection can visit their centres across 16 regions (UNHCR Slovenia: Social support for refugees and asylum seekers).

Access to social assistance is not limited to core benefits for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.

Special social assistance for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: Municipalities may provide additional social assistance to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, aside from the national social security system (AIDA: Slovenia 2023).

Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: 

Beneficiaries of international protection are entitled to healthcare under the same conditions as nationals (Article 98(1) IPA).

Minors are entitled to healthcare services under the same conditions as Slovenian children (Article 98(2) IPA) which means they do not require complementary health insurance until they reach the age of 18 (or until 26, as long as they are enrolled in school as regular students) (Article 22 Health Care and Health Insurance Act). 

Beneficiaries of international protection suffering from mental health problems, including survivors of torture and other traumatised persons, are entitled to the same medical services as nationals (AIDA: Slovenia 2023).

Conditions to access public healthcare, including healthcare covered (core or extended access): Health insurance is divided into compulsory health insurance and supplementary or voluntary health insurance. Beneficiaries of international protection are enrolled in a health insurance scheme immediately after obtaining protection status and will receive a health insurance card (Republic of Slovenia, UOIM, Information for Foreigners, Persons under International Protection, Health Care). Compulsory health insurance covers only part of the medical costs. To fully benefit from the health insurance system, the beneficiary must apply for complementary health insurance, as medical fees can be very expensive. Beneficiaries who receive financial social assistance do not require complementary health insurance and receive full rights.

Refugees

Conditions and restrictions to access accommodation as a refugee: Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same rights in accessing accommodation.

Refugees must leave the reception centre as soon as they receive a positive decision on the asylum application and within 15 days of their protection status being granted (Article 70(1) IPA) / AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Refugees must sign an integration contract in order to access accommodation (Article 90(3) IPA). Refugees with sufficient means to support themselves in line with the basic minimum income shall cover a proportionate share of the costs of accommodation in the integration house (Article 93(7) IPA).

Type of accommodation facilities available to refugees: Refugees are accommodated in an Integration House or other appropriate accommodation (Article 93 IPA). The Integration House is comprised of apartments. There are two integration houses in Slovenia, in Maribor and Ljubljana (

National dispersal mechanism for refugees: There is no national dispersal mechanism for refugees, and they will either be accommodated in Maribor or Ljubljana.

Additional support provided for accommodation: Refugees without financial means and who are unable to find suitable housing may receive financial assistance for private accommodation for up to 1 year. However, the refugee must sign an integration contract to receive financial assistance (Article 97 IPA). The UOIM and NGOs, including Slovene Philanthropy, provide support to refugees to find housing and other integration-related services.

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Conditions and restrictions to access accommodation as a beneficiary of subsidiary protection: Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same rights in accessing accommodation.

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must leave the reception centre as soon as they receive a positive decision on the asylum application and within 15 days of their protection status being granted (Article 70(1) IPA) . Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must sign an integration contract in order to access accommodation (Article 90(3) of the IPA). Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection with sufficient means to support themselves in line with the basic minimum income shall cover a proportionate share of the costs of accommodation in the integration house (Article 93(7) of the IPA).

Type of accommodation facilities available to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are accommodated in an Integration House or other appropriate accommodation (Article 93 IPA). The Integration House is comprised of apartments. There are two integration houses in Slovenia, in Maribor and Ljubljana.

National dispersal mechanism for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: There is no national dispersal mechanism for beneficiaries for subsidiary protection, and they will either be accommodated in Maribor or Ljubljana.

Additional support provided for accommodation: Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection without financial means and who are unable to find suitable housing may receive financial assistance for private accommodation for up to 1 year. However, the beneficiary of subsidiary protection must sign an integration contract to receive financial assistance (Article 97 IPA). The UOIM and NGOs, including Slovene Philanthropy, provide support to beneficiaries of subsidiary protection to find housing and other integration-related services.

Refugees

Conditions to access integration measures: Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same rights in accessing integration measures. Refugees must sign an integration contract with the UOIM to access integration measures (Article 90(3) IPA).

Compulsory participation in integration measures (if so, indicate in which integration measures/activities, accessibility, cost and consequences for not participating in the activities): Refugees are entitled to basic rights such as access to healthcare, education and the labour market. However, the beneficiary must sign an integration contract if they would like to access the full scope of rights, including accommodation in the integration house or social support for accommodation. As a result, most refugees sign the integration contract (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Brief description of the integration measures in place for refugees (hyperlink to the scheme, programme or website for additional information), including language courses, civil orientation, integration programmes and vocational training: The integration programme includes a course on Slovenian society, including a language course and assistance with arranging initial living costs. Information on assistance with integration can be found on the UOIM website (UOIM: Assistance with integration into the environment).

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Conditions to access integration measures: Refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same rights in accessing integration measures. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must sign an integration contract with the UOIM to access integration measures (Article 90(3) IPA).

Compulsory participation in integration measures (if so, indicate in which integration measures/activities, accessibility, cost and consequences for not participating in the activities): Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are entitled to basic rights such as access to healthcare, education and the labour market. However, the beneficiary must sign an integration contract if they would like to access the full scope of rights, including accommodation in the integration house or social support for accommodation. As a result, most refugees sign the integration contract (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Brief description of the integration measures in place for refugees (hyperlink to the scheme, programme or website for additional information), including language courses, civil orientation, integration programmes and vocational training: The integration programme includes a course on Slovenian society, including a language course and assistance with arranging initial living costs. Information on assistance with integration can be found on the UOIM website (UOIM: Assistance with integration into the environment).

Refugees

Right to family reunification for refugees: The right to family reunification is granted to a refugee on the basis of the law regulating international protection on the condition that the family already existed before the individual entered Slovenia (Article 47a (1) Foreigners Act). 

Time period for which exceptions apply for refugees: The refugee must submit the request within 90 days of the recognition of their status (Article 47a (3) Foreigners Act). If the refugee does not apply within 90 days, a permanent residence permit may be issued to a family member of a refugee whose identity is not disputed, if the family member fulfils the normal criteria for family reunification that apply to all foreigners in Slovenia, such as possession of a valid passport, health insurance and sufficient financial means (Article 47a (7) Foreigners Act).

Eligible family members: The following are considered family members of a refugee:

• a spouse, a partner in a civil partnership, or a partner with whom the refugee lives in a long-term cohabitation;
• minor unmarried children of the refugee;
• minor unmarried children of a spouse, a partner in a civil partnership, or a partner with whom the refugee lives in a long-term cohabitation;
• adult unmarried children and parents of the refugee, spouse, partner in a civil partnership or a partner with whom the refugee lives in a long-term cohabitation, if the refugee, spouse, partner in a civil partnership or a partner with whom the refugee lives in a long-term living community, under the law of the country of which he/she is a citizen, he/she is obliged to support;
• parents of a refugee who is an unaccompanied minor ().

In exceptional cases, the competent authority may also consider other relatives if there are special circumstances, for example when there is a family community established between other relatives, which is essentially similar to and has the same function as a primary family, especially in terms of genuine family ties, physical care, security, protection, emotional support and financial dependence (Article 47a (4) Foreigners Act). 

Conditions for family reunification: There is generally no waiting period for a refugee apply for family reunification after being granted international protection. They can start the family reunification procedure after the decision on their status becomes final (Article 47a (3) Foreigners Act). 

Brief description of the procedure to follow (documents from country of origin, fees and costs, procedure): The refugee must attach documentary evidence to the application which proves the family bond and the identity of the family member. Official documents from the country of origin which contain a photograph are only recognised as proof of identification of family relations. If the applicant cannot provide an original identification document or proof of links from the family members country of origin, the Migration Directorate will accept documents issued by international organisations such as UNHCR, the IOM or the Red Cross. The documents must still include a photograph of the applicant. Other documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate issued by the state or in some cases the church, can be used to prove family links. If original documentation cannot verify identification or family links, the Migration Directorate may request assistance from the aforementioned international organisations (Article 47a (3) Foreigners Act).

The Migration Directorate may also conduct a personal interview with the refugee to acquire more information about family members, the submitted documents or the inability to submit documents and family links. The National Forensic Laboratory verify the validity of official documents related to identification and familial relations. The police also conduct a security check on family members prior to issuing a positive decision. The family member is also required to give their biometric data including fingerprints in order to receive the residence permit (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Refugees must bear the costs of the arrival of the family member and frequently rely on NGOs, such as ADRA and the Red Cross, to assist them with fundraising to meet the costs. Refugees must also fund the costs of the procedure, such as obtaining and translating documents. NGOs, such as PIC and the Peace Institute, may cover the costs for family reunification, as part of the COMP4SEE initiative, which is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Reunified family members’ rights (in particular, length of first and subsequent residence permits, access to integration programmes/measures): Family members of persons with refugee status are granted a permanent residence permit (Article 47a (3) Foreigners Act).

Family members of persons with refugee status are entitled to accommodation in an Integration House (Article 93(2) IPA) or financial assistance for accommodation at a private address with their family member (Article 97(5) IPA).

Family members of a persons with refugee status are entitled to the same rights regarding healthcare, social security education and employment as citizens of Slovenia (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection

Right to family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: The right to family reunification is granted to a beneficiary of subsidiary protection for more than 1 year on the condition that the family already existed before the individual entered Slovenia. A person with subsidiary protection granted for 1 year is granted the right to family reunification when the subsidiary protection is extended, in accordance with the law governing international protection (Article 47b (1) Foreigners Act). 

Time period for which exceptions apply for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection: The beneficiary of subsidiary protection must submit the request within 90 days of the recognition of their status (Article 47b (3) Foreigners Act). If the beneficiary of subsidiary protection does not apply within 90 days, a temporary residence permit may be issued to a family member whose identity is not in dispute, if the family member fulfils the normal criteria for family reunification that apply to all foreigners in Slovenia, such as possession of a valid passport, health insurance and sufficient financial means (Article 47b (6) Foreigners Act and (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Eligible family members: The following are considered family members of a beneficiary of subsidiary protection:

• a spouse, a partner in a civil partnership, or a partner with whom a person with recognised subsidiary protection lives in a long-term cohabitation;
• minor unmarried children of a person with recognized subsidiary protection;
• minor unmarried children of a spouse, a partner in a civil partnership, or a partner with whom a person with recognized subsidiary protection lives in a long-term cohabitation;
• adult unmarried children and parents of a person with recognized subsidiary protection, a spouse, a partner in a civil partnership or a partnership or a partner with whom a person with recognised subsidiary protection lives in a long-term cohabitation, if the person with recognised subsidiary protection is a spouse, a partner in a civil partnership or a civil partnership or a partner with whom a person with recognised subsidiary protection lives in a long-term cohabitation with whom he/she is obliged to support under the law of the country of which he/she is a citizen;
• parents of a person with recognised subsidiary protection who is an unaccompanied minor.

In exceptional cases, the competent authority may also consider other relatives if there are special circumstances, such as when there is a family community established between other relatives, which is essentially similar to and has the same function as a primary family, especially in terms of genuine family ties, physical care, security, protection, emotional support and financial dependence (Article 47b (4) Foreigners Act). 

Conditions for family reunification: Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection who have been given a 1-year residence permit are entitled to family reunification after their status has been extended (Article 47b (1) Foreigners Act). 

Brief description of the procedure to follow (documents from country of origin, fees and costs, procedure): The beneficiary of subsidiary protection must attach documentary evidence to the application which proves the family bond and the identity of the family member. Official documents from the country of origin which contain a photograph are only recognised as proof of identification of family relations. If the applicant cannot provide an original identification document or proof of links from the family members country of origin, the Migration Directorate will accept documents issued by international organisations, such as UNHCR, the IOM or the Red Cross. The documents must still include a photograph of the applicant. Other documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate issued by the state or in some cases the church, can be used to prove family links. If original documentation cannot verify identification or family links, the Migration Directorate may request assistance from the aforementioned international organisations (Article 47b (3) Foreigners Act).

The Migration Directorate may also conduct a personal interview with the beneficiary of subsidiary protection to acquire more information about family members, the submitted documents or the inability to submit documents and family links. The National Forensic Laboratory verifies the validity of official documents related to identification and familial relations. The police conducts a security check on family members prior to issuing a positive decision. The family member is also required to give their biometric data including fingerprints in order to receive the residence permit.

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must bear the costs of the arrival of the family member and frequently rely on NGOs, such as ADRA and the Red Cross, to assist with fundraising to meet the costs. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection must also fund the costs of the procedure, such as obtaining and translating documents. NGOs, such as PIC and the Peace Institute, may cover the costs for family reunification, as part of the COMP4SEE initiative, which is funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).

Reunified family members’ rights (in particular, length of first and subsequent residence permits, access to integration programmes/measures): Family members of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are issued a temporary residence permit for the same time period as the beneficiary of subsidiary protection. The residence permit can be extended under the same conditions as it is granted and for the same time as the extension of subsidiary protection of the beneficiary of subsidiary protection (Article 47b (3) and (7) Foreigners Act).

Family members of beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have the same rights to healthcare, social security, education and employment as Slovenian nationals (Article 47b 12 Foreigners Act).

Family members of persons with refugee status are entitled to accommodation in an Integration House (Article 93(2) IPA) but are not eligible for financial assistance for accommodation at a private address (AIDA: Slovenia: 2023).