Berlin Hardship Commission Grants Residency Permits in 189 Cases
Granted residence permits in 189 instances, as confirmed by the Commission. - Permits sanctioned for residency in 189 instances by Commission's decision
In a bid to offer respite to those in dire need, the Berlin Hardship Commission has granted residence permits to 189 asylum seekers who were previously denied, as revealed by the Senate's interior administration. This move follows the approval of 189 out of 211 applications received by Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD), with 89.6% of cases getting the green light for a residence permit.
The Commission's concerns predominantly revolve around individuals hailing from Georgia, Turkey, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Serbia, and Armenia, with these six nations accounting for the majority of cases. Interestingly, the percentage of approved cases significantly increased in 2023 (90.5%), compared to the previous years - 2022 (96%), 2021 (76.7%), and 2020 (72.4%).
While precise numbers on the affected individuals aren't disclosed, the Commission handled 283 cases involving 435 individuals during the previous year.
Established in 2005, the Hardship Commission, consisting of representatives from churches and welfare associations, serves as a unique point of contact for individuals with migration or refugee backgrounds who fail to secure a residence permit through traditional legal means in Berlin.
The Commission is initiated when residence is on the verge of expiration, and there exist pressing personal or humanitarian reasons. Factors like social and economic integration and individual case reviews are given careful consideration. Upon Senator approval, an individual may receive a residence permit.
Spranger applauded the Commission's efforts, stating, "The assistance provided by the commission members significantly helps us prevent disproportionate difficulties in immigration law."
The ongoing immigration saga in Germany shows a focus on hardship cases, prioritizing those with no prospect of staying in Berlin[1]. This selective, case-by-case approach underscores a humanitarian consideration within the broader context of stricter migration policies.
With the new government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, taking a tougher stance on migration control nationwide, stricter measures for asylum seekers, including those from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Serbia, and Armenia, are expected, potentially impacting the number of residence permits granted[4][5].
The legal foundations underpinning residence permit decisions and removals are anchored in the Residence Act and the Asylum Act, conforming to EU regulations. Collaboration with nations of origin remains vital for identifying those required to depart and for issuing travel documents, which plays a crucial role in execution of deportations and permit processing[2][3].
In summary:
- The Berlin Hardship Commission, focusing on hardship cases primarily for individuals from Georgia, Nigeria, and similar countries, has granted residence permits to 189 individuals in 2023[1].
- The incoming German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans to tighten border controls, increase police presence, and raise rejections at the borders, potentially reducing the number of residence permits granted[4][5].
- Legal frameworks and international cooperation shape these decisions, with a focus on return and reintegration efforts for those not eligible to stay[2][3].
- The Berlin Hardship Commission, a unique point of contact for individuals with migration or refugesemble backgrounds, has granted residence permits to 189 individuals in 2023, particularly focusing on cases from Georgia, Nigeria, and other similar countries.
- The Commission's efforts, which help prevent disproportionate difficulties in immigration law, were appreciated by Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD), who stated that the assistance provided by the commission members is significant.
- In the context of stricter migration policies, the incoming German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans to tighten border controls, increase police presence, and raise rejections at the borders, potentially reducing the number of residence permits granted.
- The legal foundations for residence permit decisions and removals are anchored in the Residence Act and the Asylum Act, conforming to EU regulations, and collaboration with nations of origin is crucial for identifying those required to depart and for issuing travel documents, which plays a crucial role in the execution of deportations and permit processing.
