Refugees who wish to train as geriatric care assistants in Baden-Württemberg do not need a prior work permit. This can be important, for example, for people from a so-called safe country of origin or with unclear identity or missing travel documents.
On 12 November 2025 (VGH 12 S 1888/25), the Administrative Court of Baden-Württemberg ruled that training as a geriatric care assistant is school-based training. As such, it also applies “if an employment contract is concluded between the trainee and the company and this contract entitles the trainee to a training allowance”. The court took the view that practical activities within the framework of school-based vocational training are “not subject to authorisation” “if they are integrated into school-based vocational training.”
Significance for people with “Duldung light”
In a press release dated 20 November 2025, the Refugee Council of Baden-Württemberg pointed out the significance of the decision for people from a so-called safe country of origin, for example people with “temporary leave to remain” under the Residence Act and a corresponding work ban. However, it emphasises that starting school-based training does not prevent deportation. Nevertheless, in individual cases, the decision could lead to options for the right of residence becoming accessible, at least in the future. After successful completion of the training, for example, a residence permit under Section 19d of the Residence Act could be considered.
Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory, relevant here are Sections 16a and 60b:
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/
Press release from the Refugee Council of Baden-Württemberg:
https://fluechtlingsrat-bw.de/aktuelles/vgh-baden-wuerttemberg-fuer-die-ausbildung-zur-pflegehelferin-ist-keine-beschaeftigungserlaubnis-erforderlich/
tun25121101