Without Guidance, Protection Remains Out of Reach

Ahmed (*fictional name), a Kurdish national from Syria, fled his home country due to targeted persecution and threats against Kurds, which made living safely there impossible. Seeking safety and the chance to reunite with his family in Germany, Ahmed applied for international protection in Poland.

Since 2021, he had made multiple attempts to join his relatives in Germany. However, because he had submitted an asylum application in Poland, Germany repeatedly transferred him back to Poland under the Dublin procedure. Each time, he returned to Germany, unaware that completing the asylum procedure in Poland was essential for securing long-term legal stability.

No authority had previously explained the consequences of the Dublin system or the importance of completing the process in the first country of application. It was only after receiving detailed guidance from our legal team that Ahmed fully understood his situation. With this understanding, he consciously decided to remain in Poland, cooperate fully with the authorities, and complete his protection procedure.

During the proceedings, the court initially refused to consider Ahmed’s marriage consent case, suggesting he contact the Syrian embassy, an option incompatible with his status as an asylum seeker. Our lawyers prepared a comprehensive legal explanation clarifying the situation, guiding Ahmed step by step in submitting the necessary documents and understanding the procedural implications.

In parallel, we provided continuous legal support on certification of stay, powers of attorney, notarial services, communication with administrative authorities, asylum interview preparation, and evidence gathering, including updated country-of-origin information confirming increased risks for Kurds.

After months of uncertainty, in 2025 Ahmed was granted subsidiary protection in Poland, securing both legal stability and personal dignity.

Ahmed’s case illustrates the importance of comprehensive legal assistance, showing that even in complex and prolonged procedures, international protection can remain accessible to those who genuinely need it.

*Personal details have been changed to protect the anonymity of the applicants.