Country-specific analysis , format: Article, area: Authority , Setting the stage for the work in the asylum procedure

Reliable country of origin information (COI) on a variety of aspects related to the countries of origin and relevant transit countries of individuals seeking asylum is an important prerequisite for ensuring that the asylum procedure is carried out in a way that is in conformity with the law and efficient. The "Country-specific analysis" department therefore analyses the situation in individual countries and regions, and draws up country-specific information on topics relevant to asylum.

Decisions on asylum applications or on applications for international protection are taken after the interview has been held with the asylum-seekers and following a subsequent comprehensive review. In order to be able to assess the plausibility of information submitted by an applicant, decision-makers need to be familiar with the political, human rights, cultural, economic and social circumstances, as well as with the humanitarian situation in the countries of origin.

The "Country-specific analysis" department provides specific aids to be used in the procedure, implements training courses providing geographical knowledge, and answers specific enquiries from decision-makers. This involves both using internal reports from the Federal Foreign Office, from the Federal Office's liaison staff abroad, and from EU partner authorities, as well as from generally-accessible sources such as reports from international organisations (UNHCR, USDOS, IOM, AI, EASO, etc.) or press releases.

In addition to setting the stage for work related to the asylum procedure, the department publishes regular country-specific reports which are available to the general public. Weekly short reports are drawn up on events in the countries of origin that are relevant in terms of policy on asylum and migration. These "Briefing Notes" are translated into English, and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

The "Country-specific analysis" department works closely with partner institutions in the asylum and migration authorities of other European countries, as well as with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO).

The products from the "Country-specific analysis" department play an important role in underpinning the work that is done in the Federal Office's divisions that deal with the asylum procedure, as well as with migration and return. Immigration authorities, Ministries and administrative courts are also provided with information from this department.