The interviews conducted with asylum seekers are often the most important part of the asylum procedure, as applicants seldom have access to documentary evidence supporting their claims. Therefore, it is crucial that the interviews are conducted according to evidence-based guidelines.

We investigated question style, type and order in a sample of 80 real-life Finnish asylum interviews. In total, we analysed over 8,400 questions.

Finnish asylum interviewers relied heavily on closed questions in their interviews, only 10% of the questions were recommended open-ended questions. Suggestive or forced-choice questions were rare.

Most interviews started with a recommended free-recall phase, however, interviewers seldom used recommended cued open questions when asking the applicants to elaborate on topics.

Asylum interviewers would benefit from more training in interviewing techniques to ensure high-quality asylum procedures.