German Politicians Call on Merkel to Enhance Residence Rights for Refugees

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.