Delayed disclosure of sexual orientation in the asylum procedure: Reasons reported by the applicants and consequences on the asylum decision

Asylum applicants’ delayed disclosure of their sexual orientation in the asylum procedure is often considered to undermine the credibility of their asylum claim, although legitimate reasons can explain the delay. In this study, we analyzed applicants’ reported reasons for delaying the disclosure of their sexual orientation in interviews conducted within 53 Finnish asylum cases, and the consequences of the delayed disclosure on the asylum decision. Half of the applicants were unaware that their sexual orientation was relevant to the asylum decision. Approximately one third of applicants cited either concerns about the confidentiality of the interview or discomfort with disclosure. One in five applicants referred to a professional involved in the registration or asylum interview as a barrier to disclosure. Against established asylum guidelines, in two case decisions, the credibility of the applicant’s explanation for delaying disclosure was not evaluated. To encourage disclosure, information regarding the eligibility criteria for asylum should be more readily available to asylum applicants; moreover, applicants’ explanations for the delayed disclosure should be carefully evaluated in all cases, with regard for the psychological barriers to sharing sensitive personal information. Finally, psychological research should test and validate interviewing techniques that enhance trust and rapport in the asylum context.