What Does “Migration Risk” Mean in Visa Law?
When assessing Schengen visa applications, embassies examine several criteria:
Applicant’s ties to their home country (family, job, property …).
Economic and social situation.
Previous travel history.
Clarity of the visit purpose.
If the embassy believes the applicant may not leave the Schengen area after the visa expires, they consider it a “risk of illegal migration” and reject the application.
It is stated in the refusal letter, often with:
No. 2: “Insufficient information proving intention to return.”
No. 8: “Doubts about credibility of documents or true purpose.”
No. 9: “Risk of illegal migration.”
Remonstration is a written objection (not a court case) submitted within one month to the same German embassy that issued the refusal.
Advantages:
No lawyer or fees required.
Reviewed directly by the same department.
May request additional documents or a second interview.
Introduction: Example: “Hiermit lege ich Remonstration gegen den Ablehnungsbescheid vom [date] ein, welcher sich auf meinen Visumantrag vom [date] bezieht.”
Refuting the Reason:
Family ties: spouse, children, elderly parents.
Professional or educational commitments: permanent job, studies, business.
Financial situation: regular income, property.
Return intention: previous compliant travels, return ticket.
Supporting Documents:
Work or study certificates.
Property documents.
Invitation letter from Germany.
Flight tickets and accommodation bookings.
By email (if embassy accepts).
By post with passport copy.
Language: preferably German or English.
Deadline: within one month.
Usually 4–8 weeks.
May require new interview or documents.
Final refusal: “Die Remonstration wird zurückgewiesen.”
Possible anytime, preferably after 3–6 months with stronger file.
Or after remonstration decision.
Conclusion: A refusal due to “migration risk” does not mean permanent exclusion. A professional remonstration letter with evidence can change the decision.
