Asylum
Signs that you need support
The asylum procedure brings with it many challenges - legal, emotional and organizational. It is important to seek support if you recognize the following signs in yourself or others:
- Uncertainty about the procedure: You do not know how to apply for asylum or what documents are required.
- Fear of rejection: Worrying that your application will be rejected causes great stress and can put a strain on your life situation.
- Language barriers: Without sufficient language skills, it is almost impossible to cope with visits to the authorities and understanding documents.
- Lack of legal support: Without legal advice, asylum procedures are difficult to understand and the chances of success are reduced.
- Social isolation: Those who come to Germany without family or friends often feel alone and without a contact person.
If you recognize yourself in these signs, it's time to act. Support is more readily available than you might think.
What you can do now
Applying for asylum
- Register at an initial reception center: After arriving in Germany, you must register at an initial reception center. Your identity will be recorded there and you will be informed about the next steps.
- Be well prepared for the interview (hearing): During the asylum procedure, you must describe your reasons for fleeing in an interview with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). It is important to explain your reasons for fleeing honestly, completely and comprehensibly.
- Collect evidence: You should carefully keep and present documents such as IDs, certificates, photos or reports that prove your reasons for fleeing.
Prepare for everyday life
- Learn German: Language skills make the procedure easier and open up new opportunities in everyday life. Free language courses, e.g. integration courses, are an important support.
- Organizing everyday life: Questions about accommodation, medical care or school attendance for children are often unclear. Advice centers will help you to clarify these questions.
- Making social contacts: Contact with other refugees or local support groups provides support and reduces the feeling of isolation.
Finding support: Where can I get help?
Legal support
- Refugee and migration advice centers: These centers provide advice on all questions relating to the asylum application, reasons for fleeing and procedural steps.
- Lawyers for migration law: Lawyers will help you with appeals against rejected applications or with questions about toleration.
- Procedural support: In some regions, there are special projects in which volunteers support asylum seekers during the procedure.
Language and everyday support
- Integration courses: In these courses, you will learn the German language and receive information about life in Germany.
- Interpreter services: Interpreters help with visits to the authorities, doctor's appointments or hearings if there are language barriers.
- Networks for refugees: Associations, neighborhood help or local support groups offer assistance with orientation in everyday life.
Accommodation and material support
- Initial reception facilities: On arrival, you will be temporarily accommodated in an initial reception facility.
- Communal accommodation and decentralized housing: After initial reception, refugees can be accommodated in communal accommodation or in decentralized housing.
- Cash and non-cash benefits: Refugees are entitled to social benefits (e.g. for food, clothing and hygiene articles). These benefits are provided by the responsible authorities.
Frequently asked questions about asylum advice
There are specialized asylum advice centres that will inform you about the asylum procedure, your rights and the necessary documents. Refugee advice centers and migration services also provide support with the application process and accompany you during the procedure.
Have the rejection checked by an advice center for asylum law. It is often possible to lodge an appeal or a complaint. A consultation will help you to assess your chances of success and plan the next steps.
Yes, during the asylum procedure you have access to accommodation, medical care and legal advice. Refugee organizations and social counselling services will help you to exercise your rights and find your way in everyday life.
If you are threatened with deportation, you should contact an asylum advice centre or a refugee organization as soon as possible. They will provide you with information on tolerated stay, hardship regulations and other legal options.
Let us advise you now!
You do not have to go through the asylum procedure alone. Advice centers, interpreters and legal support services will guide you through the individual steps. Get support.