Understanding Europe

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.

A volunteer gives advice to refugees in Aachen, Germany

What’s the German Refugee Council and how can it help me?

If you’re an asylum seeker in Germany, you might have heard that the "Flüchtlingsrat" (Refugee Council) is a good place to go for advice. But what exactly is it and what kind of counseling does it offer?