The German constitution protects people who seek asylum in Germany. The asylum procedure can however be very difficult for foreigners to understand, especially as they mostly do not understand German and the legal jargons.

In this guide, we attempt to explain the important steps so that asylum seekers understand the procedure before or during the process. This guide can be useful not only for those who are about seeking asylum, but also to those who are already in some step of the process.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is the competent authority that examines asylum cases in Germany. Generally, you would find all latest information concerning the asylum system and process from the website of the BAMF.

The information in this site is aimed at African refugees who live in Duisburg and its environs but can also be useful to asylum seekers from far and wide. This website will guide you with information relating to all the steps of the asylum process putting the city of Duisburg in the forefront.

The process goes through the following steps

1. Step 1 - Arrival
2. Step 2 - Interview
3. Step 3 - Decision
4. Step 4 - Asylum accepted
5. Step 5 - Asylum rejected

Generally, you move from being an asylum-seeker, to an asylum applicant, before getting to the stage of a recognized refugee.
But what is the difference?

• Asylum seeker - They have an intention to apply for asylum but have not yet been registered by the federal office.
• Asylum applicant - Has applied for asylum, but the decision has not been made.
• Recognized refugee - Your application has been accepted or you are allowed to stay in Germany because you cannot be deported.

In addition, we have added some important links which might be useful to understanding all about seeking asylum in Germany and living in Duisburg.