In recent years, official statistics show that more than 25% of the requests for medical exemptions in Iran were related to exemptions for nerves and mental health; An issue that has become a serious concern for many young people applying for immigration. Considering that many destination countries, especially in Europe, North America, as well as immigration to Australia, consider applicants’ mental health as one of the important criteria for accepting and granting visas, having a history of mental health exemption can make the immigration process more complicated. Meanwhile, some countries look at this issue with a supportive point of view, and others see it as a reason to reject the request. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for applicants to know the conditions and consequences of having such an exemption for immigration. Stay with Homa Migration Holding to investigate this issue.
Definition of nervous and mental exemption in immigration
Psychiatric exemption is one of the types of medical exemption in immigration, which is granted to people who are exempted from military service due to mental problems and disorders. This type of exemption is issued in Iran based on the opinion of the specialized commissions of the Public Service Organization and includes disorders such as severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or chronic panic attacks.
Immigration of people with mental health exemptions usually requires special checks in the destination country, because many immigration-receiving countries consider this type of exemption as a sign of chronic mental health problems and may consider it an obstacle to the person’s entry.
Conditions for obtaining a medical exemption for mental illness
In order to receive a mental health exemption in Iran, the applicant must first file a case by referring to Police+10 electronic service centers and then be introduced to the authorized doctor of the military service organization. According to Naja public duty organization, if a person’s mental illness is confirmed, he will be referred to a specialized commission. In this commission, the official psychiatrists of the armed forces evaluate the mental state of the person and, if necessary, recommend him for permanent exemption.
According to the regulations of this organization, “Medical exemption in the field of neurology and psychology is granted only to people whose illness is chronic, incurable or has severe and debilitating symptoms.” Official source: police.ir
If a person has an official certificate of a specialist psychiatrist, a history of hospitalization in a psychiatric hospital, or the use of psychiatric drugs under the supervision of a doctor, the possibility of issuing an exemption will be higher. These records may also be checked by international authorities such as the immigration office of the destination country during the immigration process.
Medical documents required for immigration with mental illness
The immigration of people with mental illness requires the submission of complete medical documents so that the destination country can assess the mental health status of the person. The following documents are usually required:
- Official certificate from a licensed psychiatrist (translated and verified by an official translation agency)
- A copy of medical records or hospitalization in specialized neuropsychological treatment centers
- Clinical tests and reports related to the disease
- The list of drugs taken along with the doctor’s prescription
These documents are reviewed in many countries for the issuance of study, work or permanent residence visas. For example, in Canada or Australia, if the person has a history of severe mental illness, the immigration officer must ensure that his presence does not create a financial or security burden on the destination country’s health system.
Assessment of mental health in the immigration process
One of the most important steps in the immigration process of people with mental health exemption is the mental health assessment by the destination country. Many developed countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have dedicated a part of the medical evaluation process to examining the applicants’ mental health to issue various types of visas. This evaluation can be done by the accredited doctor of the embassy or the doctor nominated by the immigration department.
In the assessment of mental health, aspects such as mental stability, a person’s ability to perform daily activities, the possibility of dangerous behaviors or self-harm, and the degree of dependence on medical services are considered. These surveys are very decisive for measuring the migration conditions of mental patients.
The following table shows an example of the factors examined in the mental health assessment for immigration:
| Evaluation index | description |
| History of illness | Including diseases such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia |
| Severity of symptoms | Examining the impact of the disease on the daily functioning of the person |
| Need for continuous treatment | Drug addiction assessment or counseling sessions |
| Danger to self or others | Possibility of self-harm or risky behaviors |
| Cost of treatment | The amount of cost that a person’s treatment incurs on the health system of the destination country |
As a result, the immigration of people with mental illness without careful planning, collecting complete documents and knowing the laws of the destination country may be accompanied by legal and medical challenges. Therefore, consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer and psychiatrist is strongly recommended before starting the immigration process.
Legal exemptions related to mental patients in immigration
In many immigration countries, there are special laws for people with mental illnesses that directly or indirectly affect their immigration process. Some of these laws are designed to specifically support mental health migrants so that vulnerable people, especially those with chronic psychiatric disorders, can enjoy fair immigration and access to health care.
Statistical findings of patients with mental disorders
According to the “World Health Organization” (WHO), more than 10% of the world’s population suffers from some kind of mental disorder. Also, statistics from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) show that in 2023, about 6.5% of all asylum seekers in Europe have a history of mental illness. This statistic highlights the importance of the laws related to the immigration of these people.
Countries receiving mental disorder patients
In Canada, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act enacted by Asylum Canada, applicants with a mental illness are denied entry only if they pose a threat to public health, public order or an undue burden on the health care system. On the other hand, if the person is undergoing treatment and is behaviorally stable, he can be included in the special residence for people with mental illness.
Countries such as Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands have also included special human conditions for mental patients in their immigration laws, and these people can benefit from legal protection and even judicial exemptions if they provide the necessary documents.
Accommodation and special support for people with mental illness
In some countries, a special residence and support structure has been considered for mental patients, which is known as special residence for people with mental illness. This residence is usually granted to applicants who have proven psychiatric disorders and need constant care and support. In this case, the destination country is obliged to provide medical, care, social and support services for these people.
For example, in Norway, if a person is suffering from a severe mental illness and does not have proper access to medical services in his country of origin, the government can issue him a humanitarian residence. Also, in France, people who suffer from mental disorders and their treatment process is stopped or insufficient in the country of origin, can apply for residence under the title of “health protection”.
In Australia, some special visas such as “humanitarian visa type 200 or 201” provide the possibility of permanent residence for people who are unable to continue living in the country of origin due to severe mental conditions.
The human and medical aspect of these types of stays
These types of accommodations are not only humane, but also include medical and psychiatric infrastructure to improve the quality of life of these people. Such support is provided in the form of access to psychological counselors, specialized treatment centers and even support jobs, which are placed in the framework of special support for mental immigrants.
Exemption from presenting documents or interviews in immigration
In certain circumstances, people with mental illnesses may be exempted from providing medical documents in immigration or even exempted from conducting immigration interviews. These exemptions are issued based on the physical and mental conditions of the applicant and according to the diagnosis of the immigration authority or trusted doctor.
Usually, countries with protectionist policies, such as Canada, the United Kingdom or the Netherlands, consider these exemptions to preserve the dignity and comfort of mental patients.
The following table lists the most common exemptions that may apply to the mentally ill in the immigration process:
| Exemption type | Description |
| Exemption from face-to-face interview | If diagnosed with severe anxiety, schizophrenia or panic disorder |
| Exemption from providing complete medical documents | When a person does not have the ability to prepare detailed documentation or has an emergency |
| Exemption from language or skills test | In cases where mental illness has affected a person’s cognitive or language ability |
| Exemption from physical examination | If going to the doctor is a crisis or traumatic for the person |
| Using a legal representative or lawyer | If you are unable to defend yourself in meetings or fill out forms |
The application of these exemptions depends on the direct decision of the immigration officer or the medical team. In order to benefit from them, an authentic medical report is usually required along with a letter from a psychiatrist that recognizes that the person is mentally incapable of performing normal processes. Of course, it should be noted that these exemptions do not mean the complete cancellation of the assessment, but the process is adjusted according to the psychological state of the person.
In general, mental health assessment in immigration is still done, but in a more humane and specialized framework. In some cases, non-governmental organizations or human rights institutions play a supporting role in facilitating this process.
An important point in this regard
As a result, paying special attention to the psychological conditions of immigration applicants is an integral part of the immigration policies of developed countries. It will be possible to benefit from a special residence for people with mental illness or exemption from providing medical documents in immigration, depending on the clarification of the mental condition, the presentation of valid documents and cooperation with legal institutions. Immigrants who suffer from mental disorders, by knowing their rights and receiving expert advice, can follow a more legal and humane path to continue living in a safe and supportive country.
Medical services and appropriate housing for mental immigrants
In many immigrant-receiving countries, one of the most important priorities for vulnerable groups such as mental patients is to provide basic facilities, including special medical services for immigrants and suitable housing for mental patients. People who apply for immigration with a medical certificate of mental illness, after entering the destination country, need hospitalization in psychiatric treatment centers, social care and access to medicine and specialized counseling.
Scandinavian countries and medical and housing services
In Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, the social welfare system is designed in such a way that people with special needs, including those with mental disorders, are covered from the moment of arrival. The Swedish Migration Agency and mental illness are directly related, in the sense that if the illness is confirmed by official doctors, the person is immediately introduced to treatment and care services.
Suitable housing for mental patients is also provided with the aim of preventing the exacerbation of symptoms and strengthening the mental health of immigrants. In developed countries, patients who do not have the ability to live independently are transferred to residential centers with the presence of social workers and psychiatric nurses. In some cases, it is possible to live with family or in group homes with continuous supervision.
In addition, according to the directive on temporary protection for mentally ill people in the European Union, the countries that are members of this agreement are obliged to cover this category of people in terms of treatment and livelihood before issuing the final result of the immigration case.
Challenges and problems of immigration of people with mental illness
Despite all the facilities foreseen, the problems of immigration with mental disorders still exist. These challenges can involve the immigrant from the application stage to after entering the destination country.
Inadequate understanding of some immigration systems
The first challenge is the insufficient understanding of some immigration systems about the nature of mental illnesses. In some cases, a person is removed from the immigration process due to not having accurate medical documents or being unable to articulate their condition. On the other hand, if the medical documents for immigration are not translated or verified correctly, they can cause the case to be delayed or rejected.
Psychological pressure caused by immigration interviews
The second challenge is the psychological pressure caused by immigration interviews. Many people with severe anxiety, depression, or PTSD are unable to sit through lengthy interviews. For this reason, requesting an exemption from attending the immigration interview is one of the legal solutions to preserve the health of these people. Of course, this exemption is only possible if a valid medical certificate of mental illness is presented and approved by a trusted doctor of the Immigration Department.
Language challenge, cultural difference and even social stigma
Upon arrival, one may face language challenges, cultural differences, and even social stigma. Especially if the destination country’s mental health system is complex or expensive for foreigners, access to services is reduced. In such situations, the lack of professional guidance or the lack of a support network can cause the symptoms to worsen or the disease to return.
Expectations of the receiving institutions from the patient
Another important issue is the expectations of the receiving institutions from the patient for self-disclosure or follow-up treatment. A person with a chronic mental disorder may not have the ability to interact with the administrative system; As a result, it requires the presence of a helper, lawyer or legal supporter.
Legal rights and protection of organizations
Despite these challenges, the rights of people with mental illness in immigration have been recognized in many countries and legal protection frameworks have been considered for them. These rights not only include exemptions and medical facilities, but also include things such as the right of residence, health insurance, housing, language training, and living allowance.
Social Insurance and Immigration Organization
One of the most important organizations involved in this process is the Social Insurance and Immigration Organization, which in many countries is in charge of supporting immigrants. After reviewing the documents, these organizations determine the level of support needed by the person and provide the possibility of free or semi-free treatment through the insurance system.
Germany and the Netherlands
In countries such as Germany and the Netherlands, social insurance organizations work closely with the immigration department and mental health centers, and if there is a medical certificate of mental illness, they immediately enter the person into the treatment and support cycle. This process prevents mental crises, homelessness and social harm among immigrants.
Other organizations involved in this field
Also, organizations such as the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, human rights organizations, and local NGOs play an important role in implementing medical services for immigrants. In collaboration with specialized psychiatric and psychotherapy clinics, they provide access to counseling, medication, and group therapy sessions.
The regulations of this area
From a legal point of view, many countries have special provisions for exemption from immigration interview and even to facilitate the process of processing the case of mentally ill immigrants. For example, in the United Kingdom, if a severe mental disorder is proven, the immigration lawyer can request an expedited procedure or offer an alternative to a face-to-face interview, citing mental health protection laws.
conclusion
In sum, although the problems of immigration with mental disorders are real and varied, there are also significant support structures in place for these people. The key to success in this path is to be informed about the rights of people with mental illness in immigration, to provide valid medical documents for immigration, and to use the capacity of supporting organizations such as the Social Insurance and Immigration Organization. Also, if necessary, it is possible to take advantage of the possibility of being exempted from attending the immigration interview so that the patient’s individual conditions are included in the decision-making process. Attention to humanity, preservation of dignity, and specialized care forms the basis of successful policies in dealing with this vulnerable group. We at Homa Immigration Institute will help you to go through these steps from zero to one hundred and you can easily take your immigration path.
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