Tuesday, July 8
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First Aid for
Asylum Seekers

This material was prepared in association with GEA2000. It is NOT legal advice. It is provided for general information only. You should make every effort to speak directly with a lawyer BEFORE taking any action.

Where are you going to seek asylum?

Chose your country of asylum also according the recognition rates and the return policy for your country of origin.

Many times refugees can only flee to one country and have no other choice. But if you have a choice between different countries, be aware that recognition rates vary enormously even between asylum countries on the same continent. As a consequence, an asylum seeker risks to be returned to his country of origin when he applies in one country though he might have been recognised as refugee in another country ”next door”. Chances for recognition differ between less than one percent and more than 90 % for the same country of origin! Please read Chances and statistics.

In some cases, countries of asylum do not recognise asylum seekers from a certain country of origin, but grant another status or just do not send them back. If you do not have reliable information on the return policy of a certain targeted asylum country, be aware of the risk of forcible return. You might address refugee-assisting organisations in various asylum countries using the pull down menu in order to be informed on the recognition and return practice for people of your origin. The statistics referred to in our section ”Chances and statistics” sometimes considers other forms of protection as well.

Consider alternatives to applying for asylum in the rich countries.
Chose your preferred country of asylum on the basis of facts, not on rumours or prejudices.
Chose your country of asylum also according the recognition rates and the return policy for your country of origin. 

How are you going to get there?

You have no free choice of your asylum country within Europe. Be aware of (a) the safe third country rule, (b) the European responsibility sharing scheme Dublin II.

Try to enter the asylum country legally, with a visa if one is required.

Be aware that illegal journey to your asylum country carry risks, inlcuding death.
Women and minors: be aware of the risk of being sexually aggressed or "sold" as prostitutes though you paid for the trafficker.

What can you do to help prove your case?

Try to (a) find information on the asylum procedure, (b) seek help from organisation for refugees and (c) contact a lawyer recommended by them

During the whole procedure, give a true, complete, detailed and consistent picture of the reasons for your application, both in writing and orally!
Collect and bring documents supporting your asylum claim.

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