In the last decade, the legal and procedural framework for asylum determination has been the subject of important reform and development in IGC States. While the number of asylum claims has fluctuated, Participating States have continued to pursue a common goal of enhancing the efficiency and integrity of asylum procedures. Against the backdrop of the establishment of a common asylum system in the European Union and greater efforts at practical cooperation and information exchange across the continents, IGC States have taken similar approaches to attaining their goal.

The 2009 Asylum Procedures report contains 17 standardised country reports that aim to facilitate a quick comparison of policies and practices while also providing a comprehensive picture of asylum determination, from entry to appeal. Complementary information on pre-entry measures, decision-making, reception, return and integration is also presented. The report is supplemented by statistical data on applications, top countries of origin and decisions, and by extracts of national, regional and international laws relevant to asylum procedures.

With information sourced directly from governments, the report provides an authoritative account of asylum procedures as they are practised in IGC States today.