Access to social protection and naturalization for refugees and persons under subsidiary protection in the Republic of Macedonia
In the Republic of Macedonia two state authorities share the responsibility regarding the legal procedure/residence and social protection of the asylum seekers and refugees. The Ministry of Interior, Sector for Asylum is responsible for the asylum procedure, regardless of the fact where the application is submitted (at the border crossing points, inside the territory of the country or at the airport). During the asylum procedure, including the appeal period, asylum seekers are allowed to stay on the territory of the country. The costs related to their residence and care, are borne by the state and the responsible authority concerning the reception is the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, through the work of the Reception Center for Asylum Seekers- Vizbegovo. This Ministry is as well fully in charge of leading the process of local integration, once the protection has been granted by the Ministry of Interior.