Day 19 - The Federal Agency for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) - December 2nd

I picked up Shamse at 07:30 am and we headed to the BFA, the federal agency for immigration and asyulm in Vienna. We arrived at 08 am and once more there was a huge line down the block. It was undeniable that there was no way we would get into the building before I had to go to work. As I had called the BFA every week ever since meeting the Rasoul´s, I had the name of an employee who was familiar with my situation and the family's case. I decided to walk to the front of the line and ask an officer for permission to enter in order to see that employee. He was unable to help me with my request but asked me to wait next to him. A few moments later a kind woman walked out who spoke Arabic and German. I asked her the same question and she let me into the building. Shamse and I passed the security check. I did not know on which floor to find the employee I was looking for, so I kept asking around. We were sent upstairs were countless refugees were waiting. I knocked at the door of the employee to whom I had spoken so many times over the phone and it was lovely to finally meet her in person. I told her that we had come to return Shamse´s white card - a card that asylum seekers whose application is admitted to the regular procedure receive. This card is valid until the final decision on the application and serves as a valid residence permit. As Shamse was granted asylum, she was in possession of a gray passport also called "Konventionspass" which is one of the reasons why she was able to request for family reunification. Once aslyum is granted and a refugee receives a gray passport, the white card needs to be returned to the BFA. 

I was told to get a number ticket from downstairs. I ran downstairs as I was certain that there was only a limited amount of number tickets available. Luckily I received one. Back upstairs I looked up at the screen. Despite my best efforts, we were far away from our turn to get in. I walked into the responsible office that would take care of this matter and briefly explained that I was a guardian and that I had to go to work. I just wanted to make sure that a translator was available for Shamse. During all my document errands with Shamse, it was a relief over and over again to know that translators were on site. 

I felt bad leaving Shamse by herself. However I informed her that a translator was available and that she could reach me anytime on my phone. We said goodbye and I rushed off to work. We kept writing each other messages on the phone. She was able to return the white card to the BFA and made it safe back home.

My friend Agnes had gifted me with a three day trip to Amsterdam for my birthday. Now that the most important steps were taken care of, it felt right and it was very much needed to go for a city trip and rest my mind. I informed the family about my upcoming three day trip and assured them of being available on the phone whenever needed. 

19 days had passed by and it was time for a little me time, to rest and to refuel.

application is admitted to the regular procedure receive - See more at: http://www.asylumineurope.org/reports/country/austria/reception-conditions/access-and-forms-reception-conditions/freedom-movement#sthash.DM5rKUdH.dpuf

is admitted to the regular procedure receive

is admitted to the regular procedure receive