Migrants in Search of a Future in Lower Saxony
If you've been living in Germany for years without a secure status, you might just have a shot at obtaining a residence permit in Lower Saxony. According to Hanover's Ministry of the Interior, as of mid-December, they've processed 8,626 applications, approving a staggering 78% of them. Remaining applications are still under review, with 666 rejections. The "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" first broke this news on December 28th.
The Ministry of the Interior has yet to disclose the applicants' countries of origin. However, across Germany, applicants from Iraq, Russia, and Nigeria were reportedly handed the majority of approvals. Nationwide, the Federal Ministry of the Interior had approved 47,531 applications by the end of October.
This upcoming opportunity, known as the "right of residence by chance," came into effect on December 31st, 2022. Its primary objective is to give individuals residing in Germany for years without a clear legal status a chance to establish a life here. As long as you've been living in the country for at least five years before October 31st, 2022, have no criminal convictions for intentional crimes, and support the free democratic basic order, you'll have 18 months to meet the criteria for long-term residency. This includes requirements such as learning German and being able to support yourself financially. Those who have deliberately provided false information about their identity in order to avoid deportation do not qualify for this opportunity.
Further Reading
- For individuals living in Lower Saxony for several years without a secure legal status, an opportunity has emerged. By pledging to support the free democratic basic order and fulfilling other requirements within an 18-month timeframe, approximately 1,200 applicants in the review process could potentially obtain a residence permit in Germany. The Ministry of the Interior in Hanover did not disclose the countries of origin for these applicants.
- Nationwide, Iraqi applicants received the most approvals, followed by Russians and Nigerians. By the end of October, a total of 47,531 approvals had been granted across Germany, but detailing the countries of origin for these approvals was not covered in the provided sources.
- Any resident in Germany, including Lower Saxony, who has lived here for at least five years, lacks a criminal conviction for intentional crimes, and affirms their support for the free democratic basic order, may consider applying for this opportunity. The Ministry of the Interior in Hanover has made the residence permit application process accessible for these individuals, providing required criteria such as learning German and being able to sustain one's livelihood, except for those who have continuously provided false information about their identity.
