Asylum seekers in Karlsruhe

Aid facility centres Asylum-seekers are allocated to a specific initial aid facility which is then responsible for them. This "distribution" is based on several criteria which is later mentioned." Before the distribution can begin, the foreign national must register as an asylum- seeker. There are two ways to do this.

Registering as an asylum seeker The first possibility is that a foreign national registers as an asylum-seeker on entry to the country. To do this, he contacts the border authorities who will then direct him to the nearest initial reception facility. This does not apply however if he is denied entry, perhaps because he has arrived from a safe third country. The second option is for a foreign national to declare himself as an asylum-seeker once he has entered the country. In this case, too, he will be directed to the nearest initial reception facility.

Allocation of asylum seekers The allocation of initial reception facilities depends on current capacity levels. Consideration is also given to which branch office of the Federal Office deals with the asylum-seeker's home country. In addition, there are acceptance quotas for individual federal states: this involves a percentage that each state is obliged to take, known as the "Königsteiner Schlüssel". It is calculated each year according to the tax receipts and population numbers of the federal states.

Temporary residence permit Those wishing to apply for asylum should contact an initial reception facility where their personal data will be recorded. Applicants will receive a temporary residence permit.

Granting asylum Asylum applicants give an account of their persecution during a hearing. The hearing forms the basis for the decision as to whether asylum can be granted. A crucial factor is always the individual's personal story.

Granting asylum The decision made is based on the overall picture, taking all the relevant findings into consideration. The crucial elements in this are the hearing and the additional enquiries that have been carried out, if necessary. In addition, the decision-maker makes use of the Federal Office's Asylum and Migration Information Centre and its database. Only about 25 % of all asylum seekers are given asylum.

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The reception facility in Karlsruhe The reception facility in Karlsruhe was established in 1990.It is the first facility that asylum seekers come to before they are sent to to other cities in Baden- Württemberg. In 2012 about 8000 asylum seekers came here and stayed between 4-6 weeks.

The reception facility in Karlsruhe About 930 asylum seekers can stay in the facility in Karlsruhe. At the moment all places are taken. If more people arrive the town council has to rent other accomodations. Single men have to share a room with 6-8 others, but there are also family rooms.

The reception facility in Karlsruhe All asylum seekers are given a new set of clothes, pocket money and they are entitled to free medical treatment. There is also a nursery school at the facility where children are looked after.

The reception facility in Karlsruhe Asylum seekers who have applied for ayslum are sent from Karlsruhe to various communities in Baden- Württemberg where they have to stay in shared flats. They must not work but receive financial help for their day-to day life. They are not allowed to leave the area as long as their application hasn‘t been granted. This procedure may take from a few weeks up to several years.

There are members of right wing political groups who protest against the influx of asylum seekers. But there are also people who critizise the way asylum seekers are treated when their application has been turned down and they are forcefully deported to their home countries.