Unaccompanied minor refugees

Who is considered an unaccompanied minor refugee?

As unaccompaniedr minorsRefugee (UMF for short) are children and young people under the age of 18 who without their parents or legal guardians have entered Germany and are seeking protection.

Example: A 16-year-old girl flees alone from Afghanistan to Germany. As she did not enter the country with her parents or another caregiver, she is considered an unaccompanied minor refugee.

What happens after arrival in Germany?

Upon arrival, the child or young person will be accompanied by the Youth welfare office and is initially placed in a Detention facility. The youth welfare office then checks:

• the age

• the state of health

• the need for support

It is then decided which form of Accommodation and support is most suitable (e.g. residential group, foster family).

What rights do unaccompanied refugee minors have?

Unaccompanied minor refugees have special rights:

• Accommodation and care by the youth welfare office

• Compulsory schooling like all other children and young people in Germany

• Right to a guardianwho is legally responsible for them

• Medical care and psychosocial support

• Access to education and training

• Right to asylum procedure with support

How does the asylum procedure work?

After the age has been determined and a guardian has been appointed, a Asylum application at the BAMF. The following applies:

• The procedure should suitable for children expire

• The young person has the right to Support and advice

• The guardian represents the child legally during the entire procedure

Family reunification and repatriation

• If still Parents or siblings living abroad can, under certain conditions, receive a Family reunification can be applied for.

• Repatriation (deportation) is not possible for minors. only in exceptional cases permissible - for example, if a family or supervised environment is guaranteed in the country of origin.

Where can I get support?

There are many organizations that support unaccompanied refugee minors:

• Youth welfare offices

• Guardians and caregivers

• Migration advice centers for young people (JMD)

• Welcome classes and school social work

• Refugee councils and NGOs such as Pro Asyl or terre des hommes