For whom is the counseling?

The counseling supports refugees with uncertain residence permits who live in Eastern Westphalia especially in Bielefeld. Refugees from other regions are transferred to the local counseling services.

Who does the counseling?

Members of AK Asyl Bielefeld staff; if necessary, lawyers and doctors may be consulted.

What does the counseling help with?

The refugees are supported in their interests before the authorities and institutions. We focus on the public campaign for refugees’ rights as well as the support in understanding of the complicated laws. The counseling is anonymous and open-ended. It is supposed to help refugees to help themselves. The refugees are informed about the process of the asylum proceedings and the different kinds of residence and work permits. They learn how their families can follow them and how much money they are entitled to. If their deportation has been announced, they are supported in acting against its execution. Furthermore, they are shown possibilities to inform themselves about the situation in their home countries.