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Federal Foreign Office

Migration is a life decision – get the facts first

True or false?

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

No

The Cabinet has approved a Skilled Labour Immigration Bill (draft law), which applies to workers from non-EU countries. The bill is aimed solely at skilled migrants, i.e. those who hold a university degree or a vocational training qualification.

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True or false?

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

No

Although you might have heard information to the contrary, there are no new provisions solely for nationals from these countries. For employment purposes they will still need a visa and a work permit, for which they will have to apply at the German Embassy in their country.

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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.

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True or false?

Is there a lottery for immigration to Germany?

No

A lottery ticket for immigration to Germany just a click away – sounds too good to be true? It is. There is no such thing as a lottery for coming to Germany. Be careful of fake websites and rumours on social media.

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True or false?

Has The Gambia signed a deportation agreement with Germany?

No

Media reports that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has signed an agreement with Gambian President Adama Barrow for 1,500 Gambians to be returned from Germany to The Gambia are not true. Both the German Foreign Office and the President's Office confirmed that there is no such treaty. Also, Gambian information minister Demba Jawo also clarified that The Gambia signed no agreement to accept Gambian returnees.

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True or false?

Will the German government give you money to live?

No

In Germany, asylum seekers do receive some aid. But it is based on strict conditions and only granted when all savings and income have been spent. Furthermore, most of the aid is provided in kind, such as shelter, hygiene products or clothes.

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True or false?

Your nationality = your right to asylum?

No

Only people who have suffered or are likely to suffer persecution or serious harm are entitled to protection. Every single case will be examined closely in a detailed procedure. People who do not fulfill the requirements of the Geneva Refugee Convention or of German Asylum Law, will have to leave Germany and go back to their country of origin or country of first entry.

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