Indicator 1.1: Tasks and responsibilities of the relevant authorities are documented.

• Additional remark: official documents could be national law, decrees, etc.

Indicator 1.2: Personnel working at border crossing points and in detention facilities have received the necessary level of training to fulfil their tasks and responsibilities related to the asylum procedure. This training includes how to notice that a person may wish to apply for international protection, based, among others, on Article 10 of the Schengen Handbook and the EASOEuropean Asylum Support Office-Frontex Practical Guide on Access to Procedure and how to inform the persons that they may apply for international protection.

Indicator 2.1: Written instructions and information are available to all relevant authorities in order to prepare them to inform applicants of where and how to lodge an application.

• Additional remark: Written instructions and information for different authorities should be consistent to ensure that the application can be lodged effectively.

Indicator 2.2: The instructions and information are formulated in a comprehensible way for the personnel of the relevant authorities.

Indicator 2.3: When a person makes an application to an authority that is not competent to register it, the applicant is immediately informed on how and where the application will be registered, including the timeframes for lodging the application with the competent authority.

Indicator 3.1: Standard information regarding the possibility to apply for international protection has been made available to persons who may wish to make an application, in writing and orally where necessary.

Indicator 3.2: Information is given as soon as possible to ensure that identified applicants can make an application without delay.

Indicator 3.3: Information on the possibility to make an application is accessible in relevant languages.

Indicator 3.4: Information to persons who may wish to make an application is adapted to the age/level of understanding of the applicant.

Indicator 4.1: Arrangements for the necessary interpretation in relation to the procedure are initiated as soon as the need is identified.

• Additional remark: In case of shortages and/or time constraints, telephone or video interpretation facilities can be made available.

Indicator 5.1: Access is only restricted/limited by national law where it is objectively necessary for security, public order or the administrative management of the crossing point, provided it is not thereby severely restricted or rendered impossible.

Indicator 5.2: Where rules are established on the presence of persons and organisations providing advice and counselling, these are clear and accessible to the applicant and/or their adviser or counsellor, and the interpreter.

Indicator 5.3: The applicants in detention facilities have access to means of communication with their advisors/counsellors.

Indicator 6.1: If there are rules on visiting hours, the opening hours are long enough to allow for an effective meeting with the applicants.

Indicator 6.2: The organisations and persons providing counselling can meet the applicant in a place and under conditions that ensure adequate privacy.

Indicator 7.1: Information about how to contact relevant organisations and persons providing counselling are available to the applicants in different languages.

Indicator 7.2: The means to contact these organisations and persons are placed at the disposal of the applicant.

Indicator 8.1: In situations where national law provides that an application may be made by an applicant on behalf of dependent adults, authorities verify with every dependent adult whebother they wish to lodge an application on their own behalf. This information shall be conveyed in private to the dependent adult.

Indicator 8.2: Training to authorities that are likely to receive applications includes guidance on how to detect indications that an unaccompanied child may wish to apply for international protection, and on how to formulate questions in an age-sensitive manner.

Indicator 9.1: The authorities that are likely to receive applications are instructed on how to refer the child to the competent child protection authorities.

Indicator 9.2: The pool of qualified potential representatives is sufficient to ensure the timely appointment of a representative for each unaccompanied child and to ensure that representatives are not made responsible for too many cases at the same time.

Indicator 10.1: A system to manage appointments has been put in place for registrations that cannot take place on the spot.

Indicator 10.2: A work process, which includes the availability of sufficient staff and resources, ensures that the registration takes place within three working days or within 6 working days when the application is made to an authority not competent for registering it.

Indicator 11.1: The applicant is physically present for the registration of the application, unless otherwise provided by the national law or if the applicant cannot go to the registration centre for reasons beyond their control.

Indicator 11.2: Registration takes place in a manner that ensures privacy to the extent possible.

Indicator 11.3: The personal details of each applicant are registered, irrespective of whether the application was made directly or by an applicant on behalf of dependants.

Indicator 12.1: Written information is given to the applicant on how and where to lodge the application as well as the consequences of not lodging an application.

Indicator 12.2: The written information is complemented with oral explanations to ensure the understanding of the applicant when needed.

Indicator 13.1(a): Where national law provides that applications should be lodged through a specific form to be filled in by the applicant, the form is handed out upon registration, with explanations on how to transmit it to the determining authority.

Indicator 13.1(b): Where national law provides that applications should be lodged in person and at a designated place after the registration, a system to manage appointment has been put in place for lodging which cannot take place on the spot.

Indicator 13.2: A monitoring system has been put in place to track the time-lapse between the registration of the application and its lodging.

Indicator 14.1: Before or at the beginning of any such interview, the need for interpretation is assessed and addressed.

Indicator 14.2: The pool of interpreters is sufficient to ensure the timely lodging of the application.

• Additional remark: Especially in case of shortages and/or time constraints, telephone or video interpretation facilities can be made available.

Indicator 15.1: There is a process in place to ensure the timely transfer of the application file to the determining authority.

Indicator 15.2: The determining authority tracks the time between the lodging and the receipt of the file.

Indicator 16.1: Dependent adults are informed individually and in a place that ensures sufficient privacy.

Indicator 16.2: Dependent adults have been informed of the consequences of the lodging of the application on their behalf and of their right to make a separate application, before their application is lodged or before the personal interview.

Indicator 16.3: A form for obtaining the consent of dependent adults is used and is separate from the application form of the ‘principal’ applicant.

Indicator 16.4: When informing dependants, interpretation is provided if needed.

Indicator 17.1: A system is in place to ensure that a document is issued as soon as possible after the registration of the application and/or at the latest within three working days of the lodging.

Indicator 18.1: The process clearly prescribes who is responsible for the identification, assessment of special needs and for ensuring the adequate response in order to allow applicants in need of special procedural guarantees to benefit from all the rights and comply with all the obligations during the procedure.

Indicator 18.2: Guidelines have been put in place on how to identify and assess special needs and how to respond to them.

Indicator 19.1: Sufficient resources are allocated to identify, assess and promptly respond to special needs.

Indicator 19.2: The initial identification and assessment of special needs is conducted within a reasonable time, ensuring at the same time that special needs that become apparent at a later stage are adequately identified and assessed.

Indicator 19.3: Where relevant, specialised actors are involved in the assessment of special needs.

Indicator 19.4: Communication channels and cooperation between the reception authorities and the determining authority are established and used.

Indicator 19.5: Referral mechanisms should be appropriately used in every relevant case.

Indicator 20.1: The roles of the actors providing information and when are clearly defined.

Indicator 20.2: The responsibility for developing and keeping the information up-to-date is clearly defined.

Indicator 20.3: Applicants are informed about the steps of the procedure and the applicable timeframes.

Indicator 20.4: Applicants are informed about rights and obligations, including the obligation to submit the elements needed to substantiate the application for international protection, and the possible consequences of not complying with their obligations and not cooperating with the authorities.

Indicator 20.5: The information on the different steps of the procedure is provided in a timely manner to enable applicants to exercise their rights and to comply with the obligations.

Indicator 21.1: Sufficient resources are allocated to ensure an effective provision of legal and procedural information.

Indicator 21.2: The personnel that provide information, clarifications and explanations have the necessary knowledge and skills.

Indicator 21.3: The functioning of the mechanism is assessed regularly.

Indicator 21.4: Possible deficiencies in the functioning of the mechanism are promptly addressed.

Indicator 22.1: Where the information is provided in writing, the message is expressed in a clear and non-technical way and where possible in a language the applicant understands.

Indicator 22.2: Where necessary, the information is also provided orally in a language the applicant understands.

Indicator 22.3: When information is given orally, the authority ensures that the applicant has understood the information given.

Indicator 22.4: Information is provided in a manner that takes into account taking into account the special needs and individual circumstances of applicants.

Indicator 23.1: The information contains the conditions under which free of charge legal assistance and representations is provided and the steps to be followed to request legal assistance.

Indicator 23.2: The information includes an overview of the actors that can provide legal assistance and representation according to national law.

Indicator 23.3: Information on the possibility to contact providers of legal assistance is provided in a timely manner in order for the applicant to exercise their right to an effective remedy.

Indicator 24.1: Rules for the processing of requests for free legal assistance and representation are clear and accessible to the applicant, according to the national law.

Indicator 25.1: Rules are in place to regulate access to relevant information in the file.

Indicator 25.2: These rules are clear and publicly accessible.

Indicator 26.1: Personnel have been trained in international human rights and refugee law and the asylum acquis of the European Union, including specific legal standards and case-law.

• Additional remark: The training programme for the relevant personnel could include the EASOEuropean Asylum Support Office Training Modules, especially the core modules: Interview Techniques, Evidence Assessment, and Inclusion.

Indicator 26.2: Specialised personnel are trained in issues related to handling the asylum applications of children and persons with special needs.

Indicator 26.3: Personnel have been trained in interview techniques, thereby acquiring general knowledge of the circumstances and experiences that could adversely affect an applicant’s ability to be interviewed.

• Additional remark: Circumstances and experiences that the applicant suffered as severe forms of persecution in the past could include torture, gender-based violence, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc.

Indicator 27.1: Each officer has a thorough and timely introduction to their role, including on the applicable code of conduct.

Indicator 27.2: Core training is given immediately upon recruitment and before the case officer begins conducting interviews.

Indicator 27.3: Refresher trainings and specialised trainings are provided in a regular manner and depending on the needs.

Indicator 27.4: Personnel have the possibility to seek advice, whenever necessary, from experts on particular issues, such as medical, cultural, religious, child-related or gender issues.

Indicator 29.1: The case file is available to the case officer a sufficient time before the interview to allow for the preparation of the interview.

Indicator 29.2: Whenever possible, preparation takes into account all the elements that could influence the conducting of the interview, including any requests made for a specific gender of the interviewer and/or interpreter.

Indicator 29.3: Preparation takes into account all the elements that are relevant for the assessment of the claim.

• Additional remark: These elements could be relevant for both the conducting of the interview and the assessment of the claim.

Indicator 29.4: The case officer consults relevant Country of Origin Information (COICountry of Origin Information) that applies to the case, prior to the interview.

Indicator 30.1: There is system in place to ensure that appropriate and a sufficient number of interpreters can be made available.

Indicator 30.2: There is a system in place to ensure that interpreters have the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure appropriate communication with the applicant and/or the translation of documents.

Indicator 31.1: Internal guidelines are established for the setup of an interview room, in particular taking into account those applicants with special needs.

Indicator 31.2: Specific guidelines have been established on security and emergency situations during the interview.

Indicator 31.3: The interview is conducted in a separate room where the applicant cannot be seen by the public.

Indicator 31.4: Internal rules have been established to ensure that the interview is not unnecessarily interrupted.

Indicator 32.1: The interviewer introduces themselves to the applicant as well as the other persons in the interview room and clarifies the role of each person present.

Indicator 32.2: The necessary information given to the applicant is included at the opening of the interview including: the purpose of the interview, the principle of confidentiality, the possibility of breaks, the obligations of the applicant, the possibility to lodge relevant documents, and the procedure to be followed including the way the interview will be recorded or reported.

Indicator 32.3: After the introductory stage of the personal interview, the mutual understanding of the applicant and the interpreter is verified.

Indicator 33.1: Sufficient time is foreseen for the interview to allow the applicant to submit all the elements needed to substantiate the claim.

Indicator 33.2: The applicant and the interpreter are encouraged to indicate any communication/comprehension issues at any stage of the personal interview.

Indicator 33.3: Throughout the interview, it is verified that the questions with regard to key elements have been correctly understood.

Indicator 33.4: The applicant is given the opportunity to provide explanations on any possible inconsistencies, contradictions or missing elements throughout the interview.

Indicator 33.5: Interviewer makes sure that the applicant has nothing more to add before closing the interview.

Indicator 34.1a: Sufficient time is given at the end of the interview to read over the transcript/report to allow the applicant to confirm the content, make comments and/or provide clarifications orally and/or in writing

Indicator 34.1b: A specific and reasonable time limit is given to the applicant to confirm the content or make comments and/or provide clarifications orally and/or in writing before the determining authority takes a decision.

Indicator 34.2: Any additional comment or clarification made by the applicant is integrated or attached to the transcript/report, including any refusal by the applicant to confirm the content.

• Additional remark: In case of recording, control checks need to be done regularly during the personal interview. Detailed written instructions on the use of recording equipment helps to avoid any loss of information.

Indicator 35.1: The case officer makes sure that the applicant has understood the next steps of the procedure.

Indicator 36.1: A case file management system is in place that allows any (new) piece of information to be correctly linked to the case file, including the ability to immediately locate the relevant case file and/or identify the responsible case officer.

Indicator 36.2: The time between the receipt of any (new) piece of information and the moment that it reaches the responsible case officer can be monitored.

Indicator 37.1: Access to the personal file (both electronic and physical) is tracked and monitored, to ensure that only relevant staff may access the file on a need-to-know basis, which may include the need to consult case files with similar profiles and/or decisions for instructive purposes.

Indicator 37.2: Clear internal rules have been established and made available to all relevant staff on how to respond to requests for access to the file by the applicant, family members or representatives, in accordance with the national legislation.

Indicator 38.1: Necessary technical arrangements are made in order for the case officers to have access to national COICountry of Origin Information platforms and/or any other relevant platforms or webpages, etc. needed for their daily work.

Indicator 38.2: Overview of appropriate COICountry of Origin Information references for specific asylum topics/claims are available to case officers and it is updated on a regular basis.

Indicator 38.3: A system is in place to assist the case officer to obtain relevant advice and, when necessary, further research on COICountry of Origin Information topics.

Indicator 38.4: When a new COICountry of Origin Information report or an answer to a query is issued or published, it is communicated to the personnel responsible for examining applications and making decisions.

Indicator 39.1: The case officer is trained on how to effectively search, select and take into account relevant COICountry of Origin Information from various accurate sources.

Indicator 40.1: Where the onus is on the applicant to translate the documents, this obligation is included in the information given to the applicant on the asylum procedure before or upon the lodging of the application.

Indicator 40.2: If a timeframe is set for providing documents/translations, this should be clearly communicated to the applicant.

Indicator 40.3: Translation turnaround times have been indicated in the rules in order to avoid unnecessary delays in the procedure.

Indicator 41.1: Any request for submitting essential information is given in writing and/or orally, during the lodging phase or the personal interview.

Indicator 41.2: The information about the obligation to cooperate and to submit information essential to the asylum application should also include the consequences of not adhering to these obligations.

Indicator 41.3: An invitation for the personal interview is given to the applicant in writing. The invitation specifies the consequences of not appearing for the personal interview without a timely and valid explanation, in line with national law or practice.

Indicator 41.4: As applicable, the applicant has been properly informed, orally and/or in writing, of the consequences of absconding, or leaving the place where they lived or were held without authorisation, or of not complying with reporting duties or other obligations to communicate a change of address.

Indicator 42.1: Before the discontinuation or rejection is issued, the applicant has been given a reasonable time, defined by the determining authority, during which they can demonstrate that failure to comply was due to circumstances beyond their control.

Indicator 42.2: The decision includes an examination of the justification provided by the applicant for their failure to comply.

Indicator 43.1: There is a clear description of the workflow and activities in order to meet the time limits. The workflow is reviewed/adjusted regularly.

Indicator 43.2: Internal guidance have been established indicating the expected timeframe for the different steps of the procedure.

Indicator 44.1: The personal interview is scheduled as soon as possible (in accordance with national law) after the lodging of the application and taking into consideration Standard 28.

Indicator 44.2: Measures are taken to ensure that the interview can take place as soon as possible in case of any unforeseen circumstances on the part of the determining authority.

Indicator 44.3: Any known issues with the language of interpretation for the personal interview are identified and dealt with in advance of the personal interview in order to find appropriate alternatives.

Indicator 44.4: Any necessary arrangements for special procedural guarantees are made soon after the registration and before the personal interview, including considerations for the most appropriate time for the interview.

Indicator 44.5: Postponement of the planned interview upon the request of the applicant is accepted, in accordance with the national legislation, only upon the presentation of a valid justification.

Indicator 45.1: An internal mechanism is developed for monitoring pending cases; where and how long they have been pending in the different steps of the procedure.

Indicator 45.2: Based on the result of the monitoring, necessary measures are taken to reduce the number of pending cases.

Indicator 46.1: Support tools have been made accessible to assist the case officer on how to formally motivate the decision (e.g. checklists, guidelines, etc.).

Indicator 46.2: Decision template(s) are available to the case officer.

Indicator 46.3: A quality control system is put in place to regularly review the interviews and decisions, including the provision of feedback to the case officers.

Indicator 47.1: Specific internal guidance is provided to the case officers on how to take into account the situation of accompanied children.

Indicator 48.1: A workflow has been put in place by the determining authority to ensure that the applicant is notified of the decision within a reasonable timeframe.

Indicator 49.1a: Where the applicant is notified of the decision by post, electronic courier or through an intermediary, it is accompanied by a document, in a language the applicant understands, that informs of the decision.

Indicator 49.1b: Where the applicant is notified of the decision in person, they are informed of the result in a language that they understand.

• Additional remark: In cases where a legal adviser or other counsellor represents the applicant, the decision can be notified either to the legal adviser or other counsellor or to the applicant.

Indicator 50.1: The applicant is provided in writing with information on how to challenge a negative decision, including the name and address of the competent court or tribunal to assess the appeal and the applicable time limits to appeal against the negative decision, in accordance to national law.

• Additional remark: Information should be provided in clear and non-technical language.
• Additional remark: Information should be provided orally in the case of illiteracy or in cases where the person does not understand the written information provided.

Indicator 50.2: Information on the suspensive effect of the appeal is provided to the applicant, including information on how to request the suspension of any removal measure in accordance with national legislation.

Indicator 50.3: Information on how to challenge a negative decision is provided together with the notification of the negative decision, where the applicant has not been provided with this information at an earlier stage.

• Additional remarks: Information on how to challenge a negative decision can be included systematically in the decision or in a separate document attached to the decision.

Indicator 50.4: The special needs of the applicant are taken into account when providing information on how to challenge the negative decision.

• Additional remarks: For example, for persons with visual impairments or intellectual disabilities information is provided in an adapted manner.

Indicator 51.1: The applicant has access to staff of the competent authorities or other actors, who can clarify the reasons for the negative decision in a non-technical way.

Indicator 52.1: A system is in place to track cases for which a decision cannot be taken within six months of the lodging.

Indicator 53.1: The determining authority informs the applicant orally/in writing of the delay of the decision.

Indicator 53.2: Upon request, information about the reasons for the delay is given orally/in writing.

Indicator 53.3: A process is in place for the authority to identify quickly the reason for the delay.

• Additional remark: Depending on the national context, additional information needs to be provided to the applicant on any specific steps they have to take, such as the renewal of the applicant’s card.

Indicator 54.1: The Member State has established a screening mechanism to identify the relevant cases.

Indicator 54.2: The Member State has developed, where necessary, internal guidelines on how to apply the grounds that are described in the national law.

Indicator 54.3: The Member State does not apply or ceases to apply the accelerated procedure when it cannot provide adequate support to applicants in need of special procedural guarantees.

Indicator 55.1: The Member State has established a screening mechanism to identify unaccompanied children within the accelerated procedures.

Indicator 55.2: Where necessary, the Member State has developed specific internal guidelines on how to apply each ground for accelerating the procedure to an unaccompanied child

Indicator 55.3: A control mechanism is established to ensure that accelerated procedures are not applied to unaccompanied children where adequate support to meet the special needs cannot be provided in the framework of accelerated procedures.

Indicator 56.1: The reasonable time limits laid down by the Member State are shorter than six months, except when otherwise provided in the national law.

Indicator 56.2: The Member State keeps track of and monitors the lead times in the accelerated procedures.

• Additional remark: Monitoring can include the number of accelerated cases not processed in the time limits and average length (median) of accelerated procedure.

Indicator 57.1: The Member State has established a screening mechanism to identify the relevant cases.

Indicator 57.2: The Member State has developed the necessary internal guidelines on how to apply the grounds that are defined in the national law.

Indicator 57.3: A work process has been established to verify if another Member State has already granted international protection.

Indicator 58.1: The applicant is informed of the fact that the application is examined under the admissibility procedure and on which grounds.

Indicator 58.2: A personal interview is organised during which specific questions on the inadmissibility criteria are asked to the applicant, taking into account the specific exceptions for subsequent applications.

Indicator 59.1: The personnel have completed necessary basic training, in particular with respect to international human rights law, the European Union asylum acquis and interview techniques, organised by their national authority or by EASOEuropean Asylum Support Office.

Indicator 60.1: The interview guidelines are accessible to and applied by the relevant staff.

Indicator 61.1: The case officer responsible for the examination of the subsequent application has access to all the elements of the file of the previous examinations.

Indicator 62.1: Internal guidelines are in place on what can be considered as new elements or findings that significantly add to the likelihood of the applicant qualifying as a beneficiary of international protection, unless already sufficiently detailed in the national law.

Indicator 62.2: A personal interview is organised, unless national law permits the preliminary examination to be conducted on the sole basis of written submissions, except in the cases referred to in Article 40(6)^{5 Article 40(6) APD: ‘The procedure referred to in this Article may also be applicable in the case of: (a) a dependant who lodges an application after he or she has, in accordance with Article 7(2), consented to have his or her case be part of an application lodged on his or her behalf; and/or (b) an unmarried minor who lodges an application after an application has been lodged on his or her behalf pursuant to Article 7(5)(c). In those cases, the preliminary examination referred to in paragraph 2 will consist of examining whether there are facts relating to the dependant’s or the unmarried minor’s situation which justify a separate application.’}.

Indicator 62.3: The Member State informs the applicant of the outcome of the preliminary examination.

Indicator 62.4: A work process has been established, according to which the admissible subsequent application is further examined through the relevant procedure.

Indicator 63.1: A screening mechanism is in place to identify the relevant cases.

Indicator 63.2: Internal guidelines on each ground have been established.

Indicator 63.3: Measures have been put in place to ensure that the principle of non-refoulement is respected.

Indicator 64.1: A screening mechanism to identify the relevant cases has been established.

Indicator 64.2: The Member State does not apply or ceases to apply the border procedure when it cannot provide adequate support to applicants in need of special procedural guarantees.

Indicator 65.1: The Member State has established a screening mechanism to identify unaccompanied children within the border procedure.

Indicator 65.2: Where necessary, the Member State has developed specific internal guidelines on how to apply each relevant ground of Article 25(6)(b) APD to unaccompanied children.

Indicator 65.3: A control mechanism is established to ensure that border procedures are not applied to children where adequate support to meet their special needs cannot be provided in the framework of border procedures.

Indicator 66.1: The Member State has laid down reasonable time limits in their national law for border procedures.

Indicator 66.2: The reasonable time limits laid down by the Member State are shorter than four weeks.

Indicator 66.3: The Member State keeps track and monitors the lead times in the border procedures.

Indicator 66.4: Measures are put in place to ensure that those applicants whose application was not examined within four weeks have access to the territory of the Member State concerned.

Indicator 67.1: The Member State has established a screening mechanism to identify the relevant cases.

Indicator 67.2: The Member State has developed the necessary internal guidelines on how prioritisation is applied within the procedure.

Indicator 67.3: The Member State keeps track and monitors the lead times in the prioritised applications.

Indicator 68.1: The determining authority has established a cooperation mechanism with other relevant national administrations and/or other Member States in order to ensure the collection of relevant new elements or findings that may indicate there are reasons to reconsider the validity of the international protection that was granted.

Indicator 68.2: Work processes are in place to ensure that precise, up-to-date and relevant COICountry of Origin Information that is related to the countries of origin of the persons concerned and obtained from various sources are available to the relevant case officers. This is in order to identify new elements or findings that may indicate that there are reasons to reconsider the validity of the international protection that was granted.

Indicator 68.3: The Member State has established a mechanism to assess whether the new elements or findings are sufficient to start the process for reconsidering the validity of the international protection that was granted.

Indicator 69.1: The determining authority has developed, where necessary, internal guidelines on how to apply the conditions under which international protection can be withdrawn, as described in the QD, with specific attention to the general principle of confidentiality within the asylum procedure.

Indicator 70.1: The applicant is informed in writing of the fact that the validity of their international protection is being reconsidered, and upon which new elements or findings such a reconsideration is based.

Indicator 70.2a: A personal interview is organised during which the beneficiary of international protection is asked specific questions on the new elements or findings.

Indicator 70.2b: The beneficiary of international protection is allowed to submit statements in writing as to the reasons why their international protection status should not be withdrawn. These statements must be taken into account by the examining authority.