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