Guide for Asylum Seekers
Specific Protection Needs in the Asylum Procedure
A Digital Guide for Vulnerable Asylum Seekers
Who is considered “particularly vulnerable” or “in need of specific protection”? What specific rights and entitlements do you have in the asylum procedure if you require specific support? Who can advise you and where can you find assistance?
This guide is intended to help you determine whether you are considered particularly vulnerable and how you can claim the resulting specific rights and assistance in the asylum procedure.
Please note that this guide is only a first point of reference. Therefore, it is important that you seek personal advice and/or legal counsel. In this guide, you will also find information on where to get support in Saxony-Anhalt.
Particularly Vulnerable Individuals
You are considered "particularly vulnerable," "in need of specific protection," or "vulnerable" if one or more of the following applies to you:
If one or more of these descriptions apply to your personal situation, you can receive care and support according to your needs during your asylum procedure. That is why it is important to state what your particular situation is.
Let someone know that you need support!
The Asylum Application in Germany
As of February 2025
If you have applied for asylum in Germany or have just arrived and wish to apply, you always have the right to receive independent advice. You need a counsellor and/or a lawyer who is knowledgeable about the asylum procedure in Germany.
Everyone seeking protection in Germany brings their own story and experiences. However, under certain circumstances, you may be entitled to specific support.
When applying for asylum, it must therefore be assessed whether you are considered “particularly vulnerable” and what specific needs and rights you may have. European law requires that the specific situation of people considered “particularly vulnerable” must be given specific consideration so that everyone has an equal chance at a fair asylum procedure.
Even if it is difficult for you to speak about traumatic experiences, it is important to do so as early as possible, as it can be crucial to the course and outcome of the asylum procedure.
If you have not yet been in contact with a counselling centre or local support persons, please reach out to one of the following services.
Asylum Procedure Counseling by Caritas (Halberstadt, Magdeburg, Stendal)
advises you on all questions related to the asylum procedure
Email: zast@caritas-halberstadt.de
Asylum Procedure Counselling for Vulnerable Asylum Seekers (by the PSZ)
Sudenburger Wuhne 4
39112 Magdeburg
Sebastian Machoczek / Natalia Furman
Mobile: +49 160 4601647
Email: avb@psz-sachsen-anhalt.de
List of asylum procedure counselling centres in Saxony-Anhalt
The collected information was compiled and provided by the SENSA project. The project is funded by the European Union (AMIF), co-funded by the state of Saxony-Anhalt, the Free State of Thuringia, and UN Refugee Aid.
