The German federal states are calling for improved residency perspectives for well-integrated refugees who are actively working or pursuing vocational training. On Friday, the Federal Council passed a formal resolution to this effect, emphasizing the need for practical and effective instruments to facilitate long-term integration. The chamber stated that these changes would provide much-needed "planning security for both the affected individuals and their employers."
Specifically, the state chamber proposes that individuals with "Duldung" (tolerated stay) status should be granted a right to remain after living in Germany for at least three years, provided they have been in social-security-contributing employment for one year. While the current coalition agreement requires a four-year stay, the states argue that three years is generally sufficient for committed migrants to demonstrate their integration achievements, linguistically, economically, and socially. Furthermore, the Federal Council noted that shortening this period would "send signals that promote integration and reduce administrative burdens."
The Bundesrat highlighted that current laws regarding residency for training or employment have only benefited 2.3% of those with tolerated stay status so far. Consequently, the states are demanding that the federal government develop new measures to better integrate refugees into the labor market. The resolution insists that the government must more strongly consider whether individuals are already in vocational training or active employment when determining their residency status.
The resolution has now been forwarded to the federal government. However, there are no fixed requirements or deadlines regarding if, when, or how the government must address the proposals put forward by the states.
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