Since the implementation of the 2015 asylum law, all asylum seekers have the option of being accompanied by a lawyer or an association representative at the interview conducted by the Office.
In this regard, you can consult the list of associations authorized to send a representative.
The associations that come under the definition set by law are associations for the defense of human rights, for the defense of the rights of foreigners or asylum seekers, for the defense of the rights of women or children, or for the fight against persecution based on gender or sexual orientation.
The lawyer or the representative of the association wishing to accompany an applicant to the interview informs the Office in advance as far as possible of his presence, at least seven days before the interview in normal procedure and four days before in procedure accelerated.
Due to the great vulnerability of certain asylum seekers followed by mental health professionals, the Ofpra takes into consideration requests for assistance by a psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist, under the conditions as described in the procedures guide.
In exceptional cases, the Office may authorize the presence during the interview of a trusted third party, under the conditions as provided for in the aforementioned guide.
Apart from these cases, the interview being individual, you cannot be accompanied.
It is also not expected that the interview can take place in the presence of children. If necessary, you must make the necessary arrangements to present yourself without children or in the company of a person of your choice to whom they can be entrusted for the duration of the hearing.