Asyl

Asyl is the German term for asylum, the protection granted by a state to a person who has fled their home country due to fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. An individual who seeks such protection is typically called an asylum seeker until their claim is recognized or rejected and they may be granted refugee status or other forms of protection.

Under international law, the core instrument is the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which obligate states not to return refugees to persecution (the non-refoulement principle). States may also recognize subsidiary protection or other humanitarian statuses for those at risk who do not qualify as refugees. National laws implement these obligations and regulate procedures, documentation, and rights during the process.

In practice, the asylum process involves filing an application, interviews, and a determination on whether the applicant meets the refugee definition or another form of protection. If granted, asylum offers residence rights, access to work, and social support in the host country; if rejected, applicants may appeal or face withdrawal of protection.

In Europe, asylum policy is also shaped by the Dublin Regulation, which assigns responsibility for examining an application to a single member state, typically the country of first entry. National contexts vary widely, with differing eligibility criteria, reception conditions, and integration supports.