Thousands of refugees from Greece start a new journey to Germany

Thousands of refugees from Greece start a new journey to Germany

Recently, the travel movements of recognized refugees from Greece to Germany have increased significantly. According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, around 8,000 people applied for asylum in Germany between January and May of the current year. These people had already received protection status from the Greek authorities and are taking advantage of the opportunity to travel to other EU countries for up to 90 days within six months in accordance with the Schengen rules. However, a new application for asylum in another EU state is generally not permitted, and those seeking protection must claim their status in Greece, as Deutschlandfunk reports.

The situation of asylum seekers in Germany is complex and subject to strict regulations. After applying for asylum, people who have received their residence permit are entitled to support services under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG), provided they are in need. These services are designed to ensure the physical and socio-cultural subsistence level. Since January 1, 2025, a single asylum seeker will receive a maximum of 441 euros, divided into 245 euros for necessary needs and 196 euros for personal expenses, informs UNO refugee aid.

The asylum process

But how exactly does the asylum process work in Germany? First, foreigners seeking asylum must do so with border authorities or within the country with authorities such as the police or reception centers. After the application for asylum has been expressed, registration is carried out with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). Master data such as name, age and country of origin as well as fingerprints and a biometric passport photo are recorded. This data is stored in the central core data system to avoid multiple registrations, as BPB explains.

The asylum seeker then receives proof of arrival, which entitles him to use services such as accommodation and food. After this first phase, asylum seekers have to live in an initial reception center for up to six months before they are distributed among the municipalities. One of the goals is to classify asylum seekers into different groups, so-called clusters, depending on their country of origin and the complexity of the case.

Rights and support of asylum seekers

After 18 months in the country, recognized protection seekers are generally entitled to social assistance, which also offers additional support. Special regulations have been in effect for Ukrainian refugees in particular since June 1, 2022, which enable them to receive benefits from the basic security for jobseekers. Further information on the rights and obligations of asylum seekers can be found on the UNHCR Germany website.

Overall, it is clear that the journey of recognized refugees from Greece to Germany not only represents an opportunity to improve their living situation, but is also associated with a variety of legal framework conditions. The challenges are undoubtedly great, but the support provided by the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act and the asylum process offer fundamental help on this often difficult path.