Data collection , format: Article, area: Authority , The management of the Central Register of Foreigners

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is the competent registration authority for the Central Register of Foreigners. This is one of the largest automated registers of the public administration in Germany, and is used by more than 6,000 partner authorities. The storage and transmission of personal data particularly support authorities which carry out tasks related to residence or asylum.

Statistical information which is derived from the data contained in the Register is used as a basis for setting goals and taking decisions within migration policy. In this regard, the Federal Office is the data supplier and the central service point for Federal and Land authorities, as well as for the European statistical authority EUROSTAT.

The Register is made up of two separate data stocks, a general stock of data and a visa file. The general data stock is used to store data on foreigners who are in Germany for a longer period (more than 90 days), have filed an asylum application, who were expelled or where reservations apply with regard to their entering the country. The Register’s visa file is used to store data on foreigners who have applied to a German diplomatic representation for a visa.

Improving the state of knowledge on migration

Statistical data are collected, processed and evaluated in the Federal Office which are relevant in terms of policy on asylum, migration and integration.

The Federal Office regards itself not only as a provider of numbers, but also as a service-provider advising on fundamental statistical issues and on how it the statistical services can be refined. This constitutes a major contribution towards policy advice, as well as towards the debate on asylum, migration and integration.