On August 15, 2024, new amendments to Law No. 270 of 2008 on Asylum in the Republic of Moldova entered into force.

The amendments concern additions which provide for the fast-track examination of asylum applications lodged by persons who are in extradition proceedings.

The new wording of the law provides that the interview of the asylum seeker shall be carried out as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days after the application is lodged or the accelerated procedure is started. Previously, this deadline was 21 days from the date of submission of the application.

The period of examination of decisions rejecting asylum applications, which are subject to the fast-track procedure, have also been reviewed. Thus, the rejection of the asylum application will be open to challenge to the Court of Appeal within 5 working days from the date of its communication, without prior procedure.

The court will decide on the administrative contentious case within 30 calendar days and the court's decision on the maintenance or annulment of the decision to reject the asylum application can be appealed to the Court of Appeal within 5 working days. The judgment of the Court of Appeal is not subject to appeal.

Previously, decisions to reject an asylum application were appealed within the ordinary time limit set by the Administrative Code, i.e. 30 working days.