A high percentage of persons seeking asylum have been exposed to torture. Extensive ill-treatment (mental and physical), which torture often consists of, can result in changes in the brain's structure and function. Torture often leads to mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result of various types of violence, the risk of brain damage also increases. This literature review focuses on the neurobiological changes to brain structures that can occur as a result of torture, especially traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both PTSD and TBI can affect the so-called executive functions, resulting in difficulties remembering, planning, executing plans, regulating emotions, and solving problems. This can have significant negative consequences in everyday life, work performance, and social interactions. The evidence reviewed in this report highlights the issues that arise during the asylum process when torture survivors are expected to remember and recount details of traumatizing events. Knowledge of the effect of torture on executive functions can result in a more qualitative asylum process and more efficient integration policies.