Myths about asylum

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"An asylum application will open the gates to Europe."

No. Asylum is only granted to persons who are really and individually persecuted in their country of origin. Economic problems like unemployment are no reason for asylum.

A person with a negative asylum decision must return to his or her home country immediately. After telling European authorities that you wish to seek asylum in their respective country, the asylum procedure starts in one specifically determined country – you cannot chose the country. The authorities decide very fast, in many cases between 72 hours and 3 months. During that time, you have to stay in a restricted area.

"The younger you claim to be, the better your chances for asylum."

This is absolutely not true. All cases are handled in the same way. Only if you can prove that you are in real danger of individual persecution in your country of origin, you will find protection in Europe. All conditions have to be met and are examined in detail. This also holds true for unaccompanied minors without family in Europe. European authorities will also check your age thoroughly using various medical tests.

The truth is, minors are particularly at risk of abuse and exploitation on the dangerous migratory routes.

"Invent a good story."

This is not true at all. The only chance for being granted protection in Europe is by telling YOUR REAL story. There are major consequences if you are lying to authorities. European authorities are very experienced and will rigorously check any detail of your story again and again. The officers and civil servants conducting the interviews have special training to distinguish fiction from facts.

Only if you are really fleeing due to individual persecution you will be granted asylum and be allowed to stay.

“I will be granted asylum if I feel unsafe in my home country”

The answer is not that simple. The asylum procedure is complex and thorough and will consider many factors regarding your specific and individual situation in your home country. One such factor is the possibility for an internal flight alternative in your home country, for example. You will only get protection if you are being personally persecuted in your home country (due to reasons listed in the Geneva Refugee Convention) and if there are – in the eyes of the respective asylum authorities – no regions in your country where you would be safe from that persecution. Poverty or economic problems are no reasons for a positive asylum decision allowing you to stay. If you do not receive protection you have to go home.

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The Myths about asylum

"An asylum application will open the gates to Europe."

No. Asylum is only granted to persons who are really and individually persecuted in their country of origin. Economic problems like unemployment are no reason for asylum.

A person with a negative asylum decision must return to his or her home country immediately. After telling European authorities that you wish to seek asylum in their respective country, the asylum procedure starts in one specifically determined country – you cannot chose the country. The authorities decide very fast, in many cases between 72 hours and 3 months. During that time, you have to stay in a restricted area.

"The younger you claim to be, the better your chances for asylum."

This is absolutely not true. All cases are handled in the same way. Only if you can prove that you are in real danger of individual persecution in your country of origin, you will find protection in Europe. All conditions have to be met and are examined in detail. This also holds true for unaccompanied minors without family in Europe. European authorities will also check your age thoroughly using various medical tests.

The truth is, minors are particularly at risk of abuse and exploitation on the dangerous migratory routes.

"Invent a good story."

This is not true at all. The only chance for being granted protection in Europe is by telling YOUR REAL story. There are major consequences if you are lying to authorities. European authorities are very experienced and will rigorously check any detail of your story again and again. The officers and civil servants conducting the interviews have special training to distinguish fiction from facts.

Only if you are really fleeing due to individual persecution you will be granted asylum and be allowed to stay.

“I will be granted asylum if I feel unsafe in my home country”

The answer is not that simple. The asylum procedure is complex and thorough and will consider many factors regarding your specific and individual situation in your home country. One such factor is the possibility for an internal flight alternative in your home country, for example. You will only get protection if you are being personally persecuted in your home country (due to reasons listed in the Geneva Refugee Convention) and if there are – in the eyes of the respective asylum authorities – no regions in your country where you would be safe from that persecution. Poverty or economic problems are no reasons for a positive asylum decision allowing you to stay. If you do not receive protection you have to go home.

back