[Access to healthcare for undocumented migrants in Germany-a scoping review]

Undocumented migrants in Germany face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. Although they are entitled to limited health services under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act, they cannot utilize these services without risking detection and deportation due to reporting obligations of social authorities. This study systematically reviews the existing research on healthcare access in this population in Germany for the first time.

The literature research was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR standard in the databases Medline, CINAHL, PSYNDEX, SocINDEX, and Juris, with additional information gathered through supplementary email inquiries and manual searches. Studies from the years 2005-2024 were included. The data were analyzed regarding legal, structural, and practical access barriers and treatment gaps as well as recommended measures.

A total of 88 studies were included, most of which are based on quantitative data collection. The studies reveal that access to healthcare for people without valid residence permits is usually limited to emergency care and is characterized by treatment interruptions and a lack of continuity in care. Humanitarian healthcare provision and anonymous healthcare vouchers partially compensate for existing gaps, but do not offer an adequate alternative to regular care.

Despite civil society initiatives, undocumented migrants are underserved, and the right to health is not implemented. Future research should be aligned with the research ethics principles of care, harm minimization, and the self-determination of those affected.