What rights do I have?
What restrictions apply to me?

In Germany, as well as in your home, you have rights and obligations. Your rights are the freedoms that you are entitled to. These must be conceded to you by other people but you have to also make sure to comply with your duties. Neglecting your duties can possibly even be counted as a crime in Germany, which can lead to disadvantages regarding your asylum procedure. Other than it may be usual in your country of origin, the rights and obligations in Germany are very balanced.

Your rights:

• Arbitrarily applied against you, e.g. by authorities is prohibited. Please contact a counseling center if it happens to you
• Ask about your status if the processing of your claims takes too much time to complete
• You have a right to freedom of religion, provided that this does not harm anyone around you
• Men and women appear to authorities and institutions on an equal footing. Women also may give instructions in authorities and institutions and make decisions
• Children need to be protected particularly. Any injury to a child is a serious criminal offense.
• When decisions have to be made on behalf of a child, they are usually made jointly by both parents.

Prohibitions and possibly even a criminal offense:

• Physical violence and physical or sexual abuse
• Repeatedly leaving the occupied zone without permission
• Damaging your property or the property of others
• Keep away children from school
• Working without permission from the responsible authorities
• Owning or trading Illegal drugs
• Falsify documents such as passports
• Driving a car without a driver’s license
• Ride a bus or train without a valid ticket
• Theft, burglary and fraud