Applications for recognition of refugee status may be submitted before the competent migration authority, currently the National Institute of Migration (INM), through its migration delegations, including land, maritime and airport entry points, as well as Centers for Assistance to Irregular Migrants (CAMIs). In accordance with Article 45 of the Regulations to the Migration and Aliens Law, applications are forwarded to the central authorities for processing and determination.

The Honduran legal framework establishes two distinct legal protection mechanisms: territorial asylum and refugee status determination.

1. Territorial Asylum: Article 101 of the Constitution recognizes the right to asylum under the terms and conditions established by law. At the legislative level, Articles 3(3) and 52 of the Migration and Aliens Law define the status of asylee and establish the circumstances under which territorial asylum may be granted, while also extending protection to eligible family members in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

2. Refugee Status: Article 3(22) of the Migration and Aliens Law defines a refugee in accordance with the international instruments in force for Honduras. Article 42 incorporates both the refugee definition contained in the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and expanded protection criteria inspired by the Cartagena Declaration. The provision also expressly includes persecution through sexual violence and other forms of gender-related persecution among the circumstances that may give rise to international protection.