BERLIN — A new migration bill approved Wednesday by the government will allow thousands of migrants who have lived in Germany for many years to be granted permanent residency.
The Cabinet has approved the new regulation. It applies to approximately 136,000 persons who have been living in Germany for at most five years as of January 1, 2022.
The first step to permanent residence in Germany is to apply for a one year residency status. They must be able to earn enough to live independently in Germany, and they must speak German.
After three years of living in Germany, anyone under 27 years old can apply for permanent residence in Germany.
Nancy Faeser, Interior Minister, stated that she wanted people to be well integrated in order to have great opportunities in the country. “In this manner, we also end bureaucracy & uncertainty for those who have already been a part of our society.”
Asylum-seekers will be able to learn German with the new migration regulation. Previously, only those who had a chance of receiving asylum in Germany were eligible to take language classes. All asylum applicants are now eligible to enroll in classes.
The new regulations will make it possible for skilled workers, such as information technology professionals, to move to Germany with their families immediately. This is a change from the previous rules. The new regulation doesn’t require family members to speak German before they can move to Germany.
“We must attract skilled workers faster. Faeser stated that skilled workers are needed in many areas. “We need skilled workers to quickly come to Germany and establish themselves here,” Faeser said.
It will make it easier for criminals to be deported. The bill extends detention pending deportation of certain offenders from 3 months to maximum 6 months. German news agency dpa stated that the extension will give authorities more time for preparations to deportation. This includes clarifying identity, obtaining missing documents, and organizing a seat on an aircraft.
Faeser stated that it would be easier in the future to revoke criminals’ right of residence. “For offenders,” Faeser said, “We will make it easier for detention to be ordered pending deportation.” This will prevent offenders who are required to leave the country from hiding until they are deported.
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