Check the facts – here’s what migrants need to know

7 big lies of traffickers

What are some of the most common false promises made by human traffickers? Refugees told European media about the most common and most brazen lies they’ve had to hear.

True or false?

Will it soon be easy for unskilled migrants to work in Germany?

No

The German Government is currently drafting an immigration act for skilled workers. However, it will not apply to unskilled or seasonal workers.

What is a passport and why can I not buy one?

A passport is an official identity document which is issued by a state to its nationals.

True or false?

Are the children of refugees allowed to stay in Germany if they are born in the country?

No

Even if a child is born in Germany, it will not automatically obtain a residence permit.

True or false?

Is it possible to buy a place on a resettlement programme?

No

Within the context of the resettlement programme, Germany and other EU countries permanently take in refugees particularly in need of protection directly from their country of residence.

True or false?

Are there new rules for non-EU citizens from the Balkans who would like to work in the EU?

No

Even though the news might say otherwise, nationals from these countries still need a visa and a work permit for the European Union which they will have to apply for at the respective embassy.

We can help with your return

All you need to know about the support available in the Federal Republic of Germany for voluntary returnees.

Asylum and travel restrictions in Germany: What you need to know

German authorities report an increasing number of migrants traveling abroad without knowing that they might not be allowed to do so. We've compiled a list of what rules and restrictions apply to various groups of migrants.

Everything migrants and returnees need to know!

How can I start working or training in Germany? What professions are in demand in my home country? How can I do further training?

True or false?

Is it possible to buy a visa for the Federal Republic of Germany?

No

No. A visa for entering Germany is personalised and issued only to a specific individual. Visas cannot be sold or given to someone else. Only embassies and consulates general of the Federal Republic of Germany can issue visas.

True or false?

Do all refugees in Germany have the right to be reunited with their family members?

No

No. While the desire to be with your own family is understandable, this is not possible in every case. Whether refugees and migrants in Germany are entitled to be reunited with their family members to Germany is dependent on many different factors.

German government aims to streamline returns of irregular migrants to Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Georgia

The Cabinet of Germany’s federal government has decided to add Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Georgia to the category of “safe countries of origin”, which makes it easier to return irregular migrants who have not obtained a right to stay in Germany.