Can I travel back to my homeland after being granted German refugee status?
I was recently granted German refugee status with a travel document and, in my interview, I told them I would never go back to my home country, Iraq. Now, someone I loved died in my country.
Is it possible for me to leave and return to the Schengen area, using my Iraqi passport? Would German Immigration notice and would it revoke my refugee status?
Would I be able to use both my Iraqi passport and my German travel documents? Would the German authorities know if I did this?
Best Answer
You were given refugee status because you convinced them that you couldn't go back to Iraq. So yes, if they know you went back you will likely lose your status.
As for how to cheat the government and still go, I'm not sure you'll find someone here who can give you advice on that. Most people in this site are not into cheating; and even if you got concrete advice, betting your immigration status on anonymous advice on the internet is not a good idea.
Edit: some commenters below are asking for "sources". In this document, for instance, we can read
For example, if you made false statements during the asylum procedure, the BAMF can withdraw your protection status.
The OP has said that he told the BAMF that he was not going back to Iraq. As far as I can tell, going there is not prohibitited per se, but it could make the asylum application fraudulent. I said above that it is likely that status could be lost, and it feels even more likely when Germany is actually cracking down on fraudulent asylum seekers.
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Can I go back to my country if I am a refugee?
It's possible to travel back to your home country, but it's highly discouraged by most immigration attorneys (assuming this is the same country where you experienced past persecution or claim a fear of future persecution).Can a German refugee travel to another country?
However, this does not mean that you can visit every country as you wish, there are only a handful of countries where you can go visa-free (or at all) with refugee travel documents....Refugee Travel Document Visa Free Countries.ArmeniaIcelandPolandGermanyNetherlandsUnited KingdomHungaryNorway6 more rowsWhat happens when asylum is granted in Germany?
If your asylum application is accepted, you will be issued a residence permit. In Germany, there are three main forms of protection for refugees. As an asylum seeker, you may be recognised as being entitled to asylum, refugee status or subsidiary protection.Can I travel to Canada with German Refugee Travel Document?
No. Most people using a Refugee Travel Document to travel to Canada will need a visitor visa.German Citizenship in 6 Years for Refugees and other Migrants
More answers regarding can I travel back to my homeland after being granted German refugee status?
Answer 2
An acquaintance did the same and got his refugee status revoked when he was found out. In his case the country of origin was Afghanistan and the host country was Britain. I reckon the same rules apply in Germany as well.
Answer 3
A recent addition to the Asylgesetz, §8(1c), says that authorities such as the police, border control, the foreigner's authority, or the social welfare office must notify the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) if you're travelling home. BAMF then has to decide again about your refugee status.
Your refugee status will be lost if you settle in your home country ("sich dort niedergelassen hat"), among other reasons, see §72(1a) Asylgesetz. If you're only going home for a short visit, there might be a chance that you can keep your refugee status and return.
As many others have written, seek professional legal advice before you decide to visit your home country.
(I'm no legal expert. My personal advice would be: don't go, unless your reason to travel is far more compelling than the reasons why you're seeking refuge.)
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Gabriela Palai, Felix Mittermeier, GEORGE DESIPRIS