Lilshira
Mayotte asylum applications suspended since July 2026
The single asylum registration office (GUDA) in Mayotte has been closed, suspending asylum applications. The suspension has been in place since July 2026 and affects migrants waiting to register for international protection in the French overseas department.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- GUDA office closed, asylum applications no longer processed
- Timing
- Closure effective from July 2026
- Who is affected
- Migrants in Mayotte awaiting asylum registration
The details
- Takes effect
- July 2026
- Previous rule
- Before the closure, the GUDA office acted as the single point of contact for asylum seekers in Mayotte, registering applications within the legal ten‑day deadline after a summons from Coallia. Waiting times averaged eight months.
- New rule
- Since July 2026 the GUDA office remains shut, meaning asylum applications cannot be registered in Mayotte. The suspension operates without any formal decree or legal basis.
Closure of the GUDA office
The GUDA (Single Asylum Application Center) has been inaccessible since July 2026. Migrants arriving in Mayotte normally register with Coallia, receive a summons, and then submit their claim at GUDA. With the office closed, that final step is impossible.
- No official announcement of the closure by the Mayotte prefecture
- The shutdown follows intermittent closures of the prefecture’s immigration service since 2023
Impact on asylum seekers
Around 2,700 people are now unable to file asylum claims. Without a registered application they lose entitlement to housing assistance, food vouchers and the ability to work legally. Many remain in the Tsoundzou 2 camp under precarious conditions.
- Eight‑month waiting period that existed before the closure has effectively become indefinite
- People arrested for lack of documentation receive orders to leave French territory (OQTF) within 45 days
Legal context and response
Anthropologist Alison Morano notes that the suspension occurs outside any legal framework – there is no decree, order or law authorising it. France remains a signatory to the Geneva Convention, which obliges the state to guarantee international protection.
- The Rights Ombudswoman reported that the immigration service was blocked for more than a year between 2023 and 2026
- The most recent blockade was lifted in June 2026, but the GUDA office has not reopened
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning to seek asylum in Mayotte should expect that no registration can be completed there.
- Existing bookings for accommodation or transport are not directly affected, but the lack of legal status may limit stay duration.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced by the closure, but applicants cannot obtain the registration document required for housing vouchers.
- Without a registered claim, migrants lose eligibility for food vouchers and formal employment permits.
What you need to do
- Monitor official communications from the Mayotte prefecture for any reopening of the GUDA office.
- Consider alternative French territories or mainland France where asylum procedures remain operational.
- Seek legal assistance to explore other protection mechanisms while the GUDA remains closed.
Who this affects
-
Migrants awaiting asylum registration in Mayotte
They rely on the GUDA office to submit their protection claim.
What to do They must wait for the office to reopen or pursue alternative French jurisdictions.
-
New arrivals to Mayotte seeking asylum
They are directed to Coallia and then to GUDA, which is currently closed.
What to do They should be aware that registration is impossible until the office reopens.
-
Residents of Tsoundzou 2 camp
The camp houses people who cannot register their asylum applications.
What to do They remain without housing or food vouchers and must rely on humanitarian aid.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for asylum in Mayotte after July 2026?
No, the GUDA office that processes asylum applications has been closed since July 2026, so registration cannot be completed in Mayotte at this time.
When did the GUDA office close in Mayotte?
The single asylum registration centre (GUDA) has been closed since July 2026, according to reports from InfoMigrants.
What happens to migrants already in the Tsoundzou 2 camp?
They remain unable to register for asylum, lose access to housing and food vouchers, and must stay in the camp while awaiting any change in the GUDA’s status.
Is there any legal basis for the suspension of asylum applications in Mayotte?
According to anthropologist Alison Morano, the suspension is taking place outside any legal framework; no decree, order or law authorises the closure.
Will the closure affect my travel bookings to Mayotte?
Travel bookings themselves are not directly impacted, but without a registered asylum claim you may not be able to stay legally or access services once in Mayotte.
How can I stay updated on the GUDA office status?
Follow official communications from the Mayotte prefecture and reputable migration news sources for any announcements about reopening the GUDA office.
