If an asylum seeker reports to the border authority, it forwards them to the nearest initial reception facility, the establishment and maintenance of which is the responsibility of the respective country. However, this does not apply if they meet the requirements for refusal of entry, for example because they are entering from a safe third country. If a foreigner only identifies themselves as an asylum seeker in Germany, they are also initially referred to the nearest initial reception facility.

In Thuringia, the necessary registration and initial medical examination of asylum seekers is carried out at the initial reception center in Suhl. Here, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has set up the "Suhl Arrival Center" and examines the asylum application. Data is compared with the Central Register of Foreigners (AZR) and a residence permit is issued, which grants a temporary right to stay in Germany to carry out the asylum procedure. This is followed by the legally required, non-public hearing of the asylum seeker (§ 25 AsylG), which is generally conducted by a decision-maker from the Federal Office. The asylum seeker must appear in person, explain the reasons for their persecution and present any available documents. A decision is then made on the asylum application. In principle, the individual's fate is decisive.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is responsible for carrying out the procedure.

• Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)