Perhaps you misread. Quoting Article 31 (1) 1. The Contracting States shall not impose penalties, on account of their illegal entry or presence, on refugees who

Perhaps you misread. Quoting Article 31 (1) 1. The Contracting States shall not impose penalties, on account of their illegal entry or presence, on refugees who, coming directly from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened in the sense of article 1, enter or are present in their territory without authorization, provided they present themselves without delay to the authorities and show good cause for their illegal entry or presence. In other words, people who cross multiple borders on the way and/or evade authorities before seeking asylum do not qualify.