Title:
Reception Centres for Asylum Seekers
Introduction
Reception centres for asylum seekers in Germany are the starting point of the asylum procedure. This is where the entire process begins. In this article, you will learn how basic assistance is provided, what formal steps are required, and which restrictions on movement apply during the stay.
When an asylum seeker arrives at a reception centre, they receive an overnight residence document (Übernachtungsausweis). This document entitles them to:
accommodation,
food,
basic medical care,
and, if necessary, clothing. In most cases, the person is required to complete the formal registration procedure on the day following their arrival.
An initial allocation system is used to decide whether the asylum seeker can remain in the current reception centre or must be transferred to another federal state.
If a transfer is necessary, the person is directed to the train station and provided with a ticket to the new federal state that has been assigned to them.
Several steps are carried out in the initial reception centres:
Registration of personal data:
Fingerprints are taken and a photograph of the asylum seeker is recorded.
Issuing documents:
The person receives a document confirming that their case is under processing.
Medical examinations:
An appointment is scheduled for a comprehensive health check.
Submitting the asylum application:
The asylum seeker receives an appointment to formally submit their application at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
Possible transfer:
Depending on the circumstances, the person may be transferred to another facility.
Asylum seekers are required to stay in the reception centre until they receive the necessary health certificate and the key steps of their asylum application have been completed or initiated.
During their stay, they receive:
three meals per day, and
a small weekly allowance to cover some personal expenses.
While staying in the reception centre, the asylum seeker must remain in the designated city or region and is not allowed to leave it without permission.
These restrictions ensure that the authorities can reach them easily whenever necessary.
Reception centres for asylum seekers mark the beginning of the asylum process in Germany. They provide essential support for people at the very start of a new and often difficult phase in their lives. Understanding the procedures and stages involved can help make it easier to cope with the new situation and to find one’s way more quickly.
The editorial team of our website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete. Please treat the information in this article as an initial guide and always consult the relevant authorities or professional institutions for confirmed and up-to-date information.
