Between August 2019 and June 2020, Germany gave out almost 6,000 family reunification visas to family members of refugees and those with subsidiary protection in Germany. These numbers remain below the government limit -- partly due to the travel bans during the coronavirus pandemic.
A rising number of persons with refugee protection in Germany live in private accommodation, with the majority rating their housing situation as satisfactory or better. About three quarters are now housed in urban areas, with more expected to call mid-sized cities their homes in the future.
Under German law, recognized refugees have the right to bring their partners and children into Germany. But Eritreans often struggle to get the documents proving these family ties from their own government.
In Germany, almost half of first-time participants don’t successfully complete their German language courses. A parliamentary inquiry also showed that the share of those who failed tests has steadily been increasing since 2017.
Germany has announced it is ready to begin sending asylum seekers who have already applied for asylum in another EU country back to those countries to complete the process. The so-called 'Dublin transfers' were paused towards the end of March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Germany issued over 11,000 visas to family members of refugees with subsidiary protection last year. While the number increased compared to the previous year, the government quota of 1,000 visas per month was not reached.
When we first spoke with Gambian asylum seeker Yahya Sonko two years ago, he shared his aspirations of becoming a leader in Germany's Gambian community. Since then, the kindergarten teacher apprentice has become a linchpin for information who helps thousands of fellow Gambian migrants in Europe. However, it remains unclear whether he can stay in Germany.
Amira Muhammad is the "good soul" of meeting point "City North" in the German town of Essen. She came to Germany five years ago after her family had to flee Syria. Now, she volunteers to help other migrants and refugees navigate life in Germany. She organizes meet-ups or language sessions, and she's also a shoulder to cry on. For her commitment to helping others, her new home town awarded her the integration prize.
Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) says it has spent some €40 million on digital offerings to bridge the interruption of integration and language courses caused by COVID-19. According to BAMF, close to a quarter million migrants in Germany are currently having to pause their courses.
From cooking for grocery store workers to making masks for those in need, many newcomers to Germany are stepping in and helping others during the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge they bring from home is priceless.
The German public TV channel ARD has been running a series during the coronavirus pandemic called “Everyday heroes.” On Sunday it featured a Syrian family that wanted to give back to the country that took them in, “with their hearts and their hands.”
Germany’s interior minister, Horst Seehofer, has announced that the 47 unaccompanied children flown from the Greek islands to Germany in mid-April will leave quarantine soon. They will then be sent to several German states.