Fairy tales and falsehoods
about the realities in the European Union
“My family has paid so much. I have to go to Europe to earn money and send it back to support my family.”
Don´t risk losing even more money and use your chances in your country of origin. Your family invested much money in you under the assumption that this could provide them with money. But they did not know about the realities and dangers: They only knew the mostly exaggerated stories and lies from the smugglers. Your family did not know about the perils you are going through. They did not know that you would be risking your life for false promises. They will be proud of you for coming back with a chance to run your own smart business at home and support your home country!
“My cousin went to Europe. He has a fancy car, a big apartment and pockets full of money.”
Sounds like fairy tale, doesn’t it? That is because in most cases, it is one. Do not believe such stories on social media – you will only get very basic support during your asylum application in form of basic care. This only covers your most fundamental needs such as food and accommodation (see more on “Myths about asylum”). If somebody tells you, that they got a car, an apartment or some form of “welcoming money”, that is just not true. Furthermore, please note, that the cost of living in the EU is multiple times more expensive than in your home country.
“I just need to make my way to Europe somehow. Once there I will easily find a job, earn a lot of money and send it home to my family.”
That will be very difficult. Be aware that – even if you may hear otherwise from dubious sources – the economic situation is very competitive in Europe. Many countries are currently dealing with an economic slump due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are faced with high rates of unemployment. While you await the decision of your asylum application, you have no access to the job market and if you stay illegally, you are also not allowed to work at all. Working illegally does not only pose the danger of exploitation for you but the involved parties will also face rigorous penalties. The job market is also highly regulated which means in many cases you will need some form of specialized education or training to start a job as well as a good understanding of the local language.
“You will receive citizenship shortly after you are recognised as a refugee – the birth of a child will help you.”
This is wrong. A positive asylum decision does not automatically mean that you will receive Austrian citizenship. If you want to acquire citizenship, you must fulfill several conditions such as, knowledge of the German language on an advanced level and the means to support yourself for several years before your application for citizenship. The birth of a child definitely does not mean that you and / or your child will receive citizenship automatically.
“There is no legal migration to Europe. The only chance is illegal migration.”
That's not true. The member states of the EU provide different options for legal immigration. For example, legal migration to Austria is possible for skilled workers and students at education facilities in Austria. Immigration based on family reunification is an option too. It usually takes less than half a year from the application at the Austrian embassy to arrival in Austria.
You can find more information at: www.migration.gv.at
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