Right to stay for long-term 'tolerated' foreigners extended

Last week, the Interior Ministers of the German Federal States agreed to grant two more years of stay to foreigners with a 'tolerated status' (Duldung) who have had this status for at least eight years or, if having children who are minors, for at least six years. The 'Duldung' is a special status containing limited rights granted to those who have been refused asylum but have not been forcibly returned for humanitarian reasons. Because of the duty to denounce that lies upon the social welfare centres in specific circumstances, the duldung often ends up being the only possibility to receive care. The extra two years will be given to find a job and receive a residence permit. NGOs expressed disappointment that, again, there has been no permanent solution to the precarious situation of tolerated foreigners. They are also concerned that sick and disabled people would not be able to make use of the new regulations, as they are not very likely to find jobs.

Sources: ECRE weekly bulletin, 11 December 2009; and Pro Asyl, 'Ergebnis der Innenministerkonferenz in Bremen'

 

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