Check the facts – here’s what migrants need to know
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.
Greek refugee passport = full healthcare in Germany?
No
Registered refugees in Greece can apply for a blue refugee passport that allows them to travel to other European countries including Germany for up to 90 days without a visa, but only if they have enough money for their stay and return trip. And even then, they are not entitled to full medical services or asylum in Germany.
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.
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.
Will you be rescued after two hours in a rubber boat?
No
This is what smugglers promise, but: Rescue missions may not be where your boat is. Even if they were, your chances of being picked-up in time are extremely small – especially if smugglers leave your rubber boat drifting without a motor. The journey remains very dangerous and continues to cost thousands of lives.
True or false?
Will your life in Europe be easy?
No
You may have heard life is easy, but the reality is different: Many asylum seekers have to live in mass accommodation while awaiting their decision. A significant share of applications gets rejected and those migrants then have to leave Germany. Even if granted protection, life is expensive and it is hard to find a job. So why do many of the stories you hear sound so good?
