The European Qualifications Passport for Refugees (EQPR) is issued as a document as part of a project conducted by the Council of Europe as well as partners. It is a specialized tool that is designed to assess a refugee’s qualifications that are backed by insufficient documentations. The document is made up of two parts:
- An explanation
- An assessment
The assessment part includes information about job experience, qualifications, academic disciplines and language proficiency. The explanation part of the European Qualification Passport for Refugees includes information about the document status as well as a brief project description.
The document offers an explanation for the qualifications a refugee may have based off available evidence. While the document does not make up a formal recognition act, it serves to summarize and present information on an applicant’s work experience, education level and language proficiency.
The methodology for evaluation is comprised of a combined structured interview as well as assessment of documentation. Therefore the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees provides reliable, credible information which is relevant in terms of applications for internships, employment, admission to studies and qualification courses.
How to Apply for the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees
Step 1: Create Your Account
- Applicants must create an account to proceed to the assessment, you can do so here on the EQPR platform.
- Click “Create a new account”
- Insert your personal details and register
- An email containing an activation link will appear in your inbox or sometimes the spam folder
- Within the email, click “Activate Account” and you will be taken to the login site.
- Insert your email address username and copy and paste the password that you got in the email. Hit “Enter” and log into your new EQPR account.
Step 2: Fill in Your Profile
- Complete the requested information using the Profile account section. You could also complete the questionnaire before adding the required documents.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Begin your European Qualifications Passport for Refugees application before uploading the necessary documents (see below)
- First upload or add the completed questionnaire that is used for assessment. The questionnaire is the key document for this evaluation process. It absolutely needs to be included in your application as it is of the utmost importance.
- To continue with the application, you need to upload the required documents including your ID card, your Refugee Status Certificate and a signed consent form. You will also need to add a passport-sized photograph.
- If and wherever possible, upload any relevant documentation pertaining to the evaluation of your qualification under “Optional Documents”. These could include transcripts of records, degree certificates, language certificates, graduation diplomas, student ID, thesis research, any other relevant certificates and CV. Once you have added them to “Optional Documents”, click “Confirm”.
- Lastly, after all of the required documents are added, click “Send Request”. Your application is submitted immediately and you can review it’s status in the “My Procedure” section on the home page. When changes are made you receive and email notification. When your application is reviewed, the Council of Europe will contact you about further steps. For more information contact: refugees.qualifications@coe.int.
What Documents Do You Need to Provide for EQPR?
- Refugee Status Certificate
- Identity Documents
- Consent Form
- Passport Photograph
- Other Supporting Documents including transcripts of records, degree certificates, language certificates, graduation diplomas, student ID, thesis research, any other relevant certificates and CV.
How is EQPR Beneficial?
A large number of refuges are unable to bring their important documents with them. The EQPR paves the way to an opportunity for the fair assessment of refugee qualifications even for cases with missing documentation.
- The document can be used within other European countries, if or when an EQPR holder relocates from the country where the document was issued.
- Evaluation costs to the host countries is reduced because refugees need not undergo more assessments. Evaluation is free for refugees.
- Both refugees and host societies benefit from faster integration.
Which Countries Recognize EQPR?
The EQPR is designed not only to be of use in the country of issue, but in other countries across the European region.
What Instituations Accept EQPR?
- UNHCR
- National Recognition Centres of Armenia, Herzegovina and Bosnia, Croatia, Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Serbia, Romania and the UK
- Conference of University Rectors of Italy
- Ministry of Interior of France
- Ministries of Education of Greece, Italy and Norway
Passport Photo for EQPR Application
If you’re looking for a place to get your passport photo for the EQPR application, why not take your photo yourself while at home? Smartphone iD is an app designed to help you take compliant photographs in just a few simple steps. The application can be programmed with any country’s dimensions for verified official photographs.
With Smartphone iD, you can take your own passport photo from the luxury of your own home, guaranteeing you to get the perfect shot! It also saves you time and energy from not having to travel instore.
What’s more is that unlike other passport photo services, persons using Smartphone iD will get a photo in digital format that can be used an unlimited number of times! Also the correct template can be ordered to be delivered by post or printed at any time. Finally, Smartphone iD is much more affordable than other passport photo services and the results are of the highest quality!
