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Title:
What Is Asylum?
Introduction
In Germany, asylum is a protection mechanism granted to individuals who are exposed to persecution. Upon arrival in the country, anyone wishing to apply for asylum must register with the competent authorities – this initial step is known as an asylum request (Asylgesuch).
This registration is essential, as it formally notifies the state that the person intends to apply for asylum.
Where can you register?
You can register as an asylum seeker at several different places:
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the foreigners’ registration office (Ausländerbehörde)
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an initial reception centre for refugees (Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung)
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a border authority (Grenzkontrolle)
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a police station (Polizeistation)
When you first arrive, simply saying the word “asyl” is generally sufficient for staff to understand that you are seeking protection. You will then be treated as an asylum seeker and directed to the appropriate place for registration.
The registration process
When you register at an initial reception centre, your photograph will be taken and your fingerprints will be recorded. You will also be asked to provide basic personal details such as your name, date of birth and country of origin.
Once this process is completed, you will receive an Ankunftsnachweis (arrival certificate). This document confirms that you are registered as an asylum seeker and allows you to stay in Germany for a certain period.
The importance of fingerprints
Fingerprints are recorded for people who apply for asylum in connection with the Dublin III Regulation. Under this European regulation, the country responsible for examining your asylum application is determined on the basis of where your fingerprints were first registered.
If your fingerprints were already taken in another EU member state, Germany may decide to transfer you back to that country.
What happens after registration?
After registration, asylum seekers usually remain in the initial reception centre where they were registered. However, they may also be transferred to another facility, depending on the distribution system for asylum seekers and the availability of places.
The subsequent steps are determined by the allocation rules and the capacity of the various centres.
Access to support and benefits
Once registered, asylum seekers are entitled to benefits under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungen). These include:
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food and drink,
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clothing,
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other basic necessities,
as well as a small cash allowance to cover personal expenses such as phone charges or local transport tickets.
Submitting the asylum application
In some cases, asylum seekers can formally submit their asylum application immediately after registration. In other cases, they must wait for an appointment.
They will be informed of the appointment either during registration or at a later date.
Conclusion
The asylum procedure in Germany is complex and involves numerous steps that must be followed carefully. Anyone seeking protection should be aware of how registration works and what to expect in the period that follows.
The editorial team of our website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple reliable sources. Nonetheless, errors may occur or certain details may be incomplete. Please consider this article as an initial guide and always contact the competent authorities or specialised advisory services for binding and up-to-date information.
