What rights do I have as an asylum seeker in Germany?
January 17, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Leonie Eiserfelder
Dear lawyer,
My name is Erwin Weiß and I am an asylum seeker in Germany. I fled my home country six months ago and applied for asylum here. I have heard that asylum seekers have certain rights in Germany, but I am not sure exactly what they are. I am worried that I may not know all of my rights and therefore be disadvantaged.
Currently, I am living in a communal accommodation and waiting for my asylum decision. I do not have access to regular work and do not know how long the asylum process will take. I often feel insecure and helpless in this situation.
Could you please explain to me what rights I have as an asylum seeker in Germany? Are there specific benefits that I am entitled to? Can I work or pursue an education while my asylum application is being processed? How can I improve my living situation and increase my chances of receiving a positive asylum decision?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Erwin Weiß
Dear Mr. Weiß,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise. As an asylum seeker in Germany, you have certain rights that are entitled to you during the asylum process and beyond. It is important that you inform yourself about these rights in order to better assess your situation and to seek support if necessary.
First and foremost, I want to emphasize that asylum seekers in Germany have a legal entitlement to accommodation, meals, medical care, and social support. This means that you will be housed in a communal accommodation and should receive regular meals. If you have health problems, you can seek medical help. Furthermore, you have the right to receive advice and support from various organizations that assist asylum seekers.
Regarding work and education as an asylum seeker, there are certain regulations that need to be observed. While your asylum application is being processed, you are generally not allowed to work. However, there are some exceptions, such as the possibility of a tolerated employment or a tolerated training. These tolerances allow you to work or undergo training under certain conditions, even if your asylum application has not been decided yet. It is important to seek advice in a timely manner to avoid any legal consequences.
To increase your chances of a positive asylum decision, it is advisable to actively participate in your asylum process. This includes providing all necessary documents and information, attending hearings, and working together with your lawyer. Additionally, you should inform yourself about your rights and obligations as an asylum seeker to manage your situation as best as possible.
Overall, it is important that you do not feel alone and seek support if you are unsure or have questions. There are many counseling centers, organizations, and lawyers that assist asylum seekers and support them on their journey in Germany. Do not hesitate to accept this help and to inform yourself about your rights and options.
I hope that my response was helpful to you and I am available for further questions.
Sincerely,
Leonie Eiserfelder
Lawyer specializing in immigration law
