Stories like Faisal’s are all too common. The Südwestrundfunk (SWR) recently reported on the young Yazidi who works in a bakery in Weilheim an der Teck (Esslingen district). His boss even offered him an apprenticeship.
However, the young man, who has been living in Germany for a good three years, is to be deported to Iraq because the authorities believe he is safe there and has not been working here long enough. His only hope now is the Hardship Commission, which may grant him the right to stay.
Until the end of this year, however, there is another solution for some refugees living in Germany with toleration status („Duldung“). They can apply for a trial residence permit („Aufenthaltserlaubnis auf Probe“) for 18 months under the right of temporary residence („Chancenaufenthaltsrecht“). This requires that they have lived in Germany for five years or longer as of October 31, 2022. The regulation also applies to family members. However, the right of temporary residence expires at the end of this year.
Chance of temporary right of residence for tolerated persons
The refugees then have 18 months to meet the requirements for a longer right of residence. They must be largely self-sufficient, speak sufficient German, and have clarified their identity. They must also not commit any crimes. If they meet the conditions, they will receive a temporary residence permit. If not, they will once again be tolerated.
According to the Integration Media Service, 84,106 people had taken advantage of the right to temporary residence by the end of April this year. Around 16,600 of them managed to obtain a temporary residence permit – that is one in five. The others are back in tolerated status, have left the country or have obtained another residence permit. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees estimates that there are 137,100 potential applicants.
Changes under the new federal government
According to the coalition agreement, the new federal government does not intend to continue the scheme. However, there are plans to grant a residence permit to well-integrated tolerated persons who have been living in Germany for four years as of December 31, 2024, speak sufficient German, have not committed any crimes, and have been in employment subject to social insurance contributions for at least one year.
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