Understanding Europe

Syrian refugees at a camp in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon Photo credit: Reuters/Aziz Taher

What is the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme?

The Syrian Vulnerable Persons Scheme (VPRS) is the United Kingdom's resettlement program for Syrian refugees who live in refugee camps in Middle Eastern countries such as Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon. How does the program work and doe1

Border check at the German-Austrian border

Border controls in Europe's Schengen zone

When more than a million refugees and migrants flooded into Europe in 2015, several European countries set up border controls, suspending the Schengen system of open-border, passport-free travel. Almost three years on, the European1

Even people with a job are entitled to supplementary benefits if they cannot afford their rent

Social benefits in Germany: Who is entitled to "Hartz IV"?

In Germany the number of foreigners receiving unemployment benefits is rising with growing migration. When are refugees and asylum seekers entitled to social benefits?

For refugees, tackling depression can seem an impossible task

Apps for refugees suffering psychological trauma and depression

A German refugee support organization has developed apps for smartphones to help migrants living with psychological symptoms of stress. The online mobile therapy service is available in Farsi, English and Arabic.

All unaccompanied minors are assigned a guardian

Unaccompanied minor refugees in Germany: What you need to know

Unaccompanied minors traveling to Europe for protection pose a significant challenge to the authorities. InfoMigrants takes a closer look at the protection mechanism and its shortcomings for underage migrants in Germany.