Living

Austria > Living

Minimum rights and benefits during the asylum procedure (Grundversorgung): The „Grundversorgung“ system aims at providing all asylum seekers and other aliens excluded from the regular social system with accommodation, food, medical care.

Denmark > Living

Once you have applied for asylum in Denmark you are accommodated in an Asylum Camp somewhere in the country. Here you get food and pocket money while your case is treated. The standard of living in Asylum Camps differ from camp to camp and asylum seekers live in either apartments, shared or single rooms. You are not allowed to work while seeking asylum. Getting a job outside the formal labour market is possible but the informal labour market is limited and precarious.

France > Living

Asylum seekers get given their 'first card' from the prefecture after they lodge a claim for asylum at 'l'Office des réfugiés' (OFPRA). After issue of this card, they are entitled to receive about 310 euros a month. However, if they get state accommodation, they will only be entitled to 190 euros per month.

Greece > Living

As an asylum seeker you can apply for housing before the authorities. Ask for help in one of the organizations and apply in any way – even if the chances to receive housing support are very low. Unfortunately, there are only 662 places available in open reception centers for adults in Greece and 338 for unaccompanied minors.

Netherlands > Living

Switzerland > Living

Since 2008, rejected asylum seekers don't have the right of social help anymore in Switzerland and can only grant urgent help consisting in living in totally inhuman conditions. Several Swiss NGO's and Human rights groups are campaining against this situation.

Turkey > Living

The police send you to a certain, so called “satellite” city (e.g. Van, Kayseri, Konya, Eskisehir) where you are forced to live. (There is theoretically a possibility to be transferred to a different city, but only in severe reasons e.g. medical reasons or to move to live with close relatives).