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Information for people from "safe countries of origin"

The German government thinks that your home country is safe. Many people in Germany have a different opinion and believe you when you say you have good reasons to leave your country.
If you are from a a country which Germany regards as "safe", then you have to proof that it is unsafe for you. This is difficult.

These countries are „safe countries of origin“

At the moment, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ghana, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Senegal, Serbia and Kosovo are „safe countries of origin“. This can change. In the asylum act (Asylgesetz) you can see which countries are currently on the list.

Anhörung (hearing)

The hearing The interview is very important. Prepare yourself well. Please talk to an advice office before the hearing. Read the brochure on the website asyl.net and watch the film on the website asylindeutschland.de to allow you to prepare for the interview. You can find a list of question which are often asked in the interview here. Bear in mind that these are only examples of possible questions. You may be asked other question. Also, it is your resposibility to tell everything relevant in your interview, even if you are not asked directly. Tell what happened to you in your country and why you would be in danger if you were to go back. Ask an advice office and tell them that you need help for your interview.
You have to „prove“ that you are being persecuted. Germany thinks that nobody is persecuted in your home country. Take care to mention all of your reasons for leaving your country! You cannot be deported before you get a letter with the rejection of your asylum application.

The rejection

Your application will probably be rejected as „manifestly unfounded“ (offensichtlich unbegründet) If you want to appeal, you have to also make an application for delaying effect. On the website aktiv.fluechtlingsrat-bw.de there is a template for the appeal and the application for delaying effect. You need a lawyer. Speak to an advice office about whether or not it is worthwhile to spend money on a lawyer.
You only have a chance if your case is exceptional.

Special laws

In Germany, there are laws which only apply to people from „safe countries of origin“ whose applications have been rejected.

Employment ban
If you made your asylum application after August 31st 2015, you are banned from working during your asylum process. If your claim has been rejected, you are banned from working. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about this. This does not apply if you withdrew your asylum application after advice from the BAMF, for example, during the interview. In this case, you do not have an employment ban.

Language courses
Some language courses are only for certain groups of refugees.

Accomodation
You may have to stay in the reception facility (EA) However, families with children under the age of 18 only have to stay in the EA for a maximum of six months. If you have children under 18 and have been in the EA for more than six months, you can apply to be transferred from the EA. Here is an information sheeet and a template for an application for a transfer. You can ask social services („Sozial- und Verfahrensberatung) to help you make the application. You may also be sent to a so-called EAE.

Restriction of movement
If you are living in the EA or the EAE, you are not allowed to leave the district. If you leave the district, you will be punished. If you are living in an EAE, the punishment is particularly severe. For further information about the restriction of movement in the EA ask an advice office[/text][/link

Perspectives

The laws in Germany are very tough for you. Very soon, you have to start thinking about what perspectives you have. Look at the chapters about After the rejection of the Asyl-Antrag – legal options and further perspectives and Deportation and termination of your stay in Germany for information about your options. On the website aktionbleiberecht.de you will find important information regarding deportations. If you want to go back to your home country or have no other possibility, go to a repatriation advice office -Stelle.

Work visa
If you are from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro or Serbia, you may be able to get a work visa even if you do not have formal qualifications. But it is complicated and only possible in rare cases. You have find an employer who will give you a good employment contract. You can only get a work visa if you have not received asylum seeker benefits (Asylbewerberleistungen) for 24 months. You can find more information on the website of the Refugee Council of Baden-Württemberg.
Ask an advice office.
Sometimes the immigration authority will say that it is easy to come back to Germany. Often it is very difficult.