German Politicians Call on Merkel to Enhance Residence Rights for Refugees

Refugees in Germany are usually given only a temporary residence permit, and many of them can be forced to leave the country even during their vocational training. Heads of three federal states called on German Chancellor Angela Merkel to improve the relevant regulations.

Leaders of three federal states in Germany wrote a letter to Chancellor Angela Merkel where they called on her to improve residence conditions for young refugees. Young asylum seekers should be granted a secure residence status at least for the whole duration of their vocational training in Germany, politicians wrote.

Due to a number of shortcomings in the current legislation, the positions of refugees are highly uncertain. Those who undergo a professional training can only hope they are not forced to leave the country, politicians wrote, adding that this situation is of a big disadvantage for training companies either, as they have no chances to carry out proper planning.

According to German media reports, the letter was signed by Winfried Kretschmann (Baden-Württemberg), Malu Dreyer (Rheinland-Pfalz) and Volker Bouffier (Hessen).

The three politicians suggested that refugees, whose training companies agreed to hire them for an appropriate position, should be given a temporary residence permit after their training. The officials also stressed that young asylum seekers are highly attractive "for the economy", which is in dare need of skilled young specialists.