Refugees and asylum seekers face various social and economic challenges in Germany. Issues such as employment law, social support, integration and education play a central role in this.
1. employment law for asylum seekers - When are refugees allowed to work in Germany?
Whether and when asylum seekers are allowed to work depends on their residence status and the stage of their asylum procedure.
Regulations for taking up employment:
- In the first 3 months after submitting the application: No work permit.
- After 3 months stayPossibility of employment, but with the approval of the Foreigners' Registration Office and the Federal Employment Agency.
- After 6 months staywork permit is facilitated in many cases.
- After 9 months stayAccess to the labor market without priority check, but still with the approval of the foreigners authority.
- After 48 months of residenceFree access to the labor market without restrictions.
Permitted occupations for asylum seekers:
- Internships and voluntary activities are often earlier possible.
- Training can also be combined with a Tolerance are permitted (so-called "3+2 rule").
- Self-employment is not permitted for asylum seekers.
Example:
A Syrian asylum seeker has been living in Germany for 7 months. He finds a job as a kitchen assistant. As he has been here for longer than 6 months, he can apply for a work permit.
2. social support for asylum seekers - benefits and accommodation
Benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act (AsylbLG):
- Asylum seekers receive Basic supply in the form of benefits in kind or in cash.
- The amounts vary, but as Single person you get about 410 € per month.
- Costs for accommodation, heating and basic medical care are covered.
Accommodation for asylum seekers:
- In the first few months, asylum seekers must Initial reception facilities live.
- They are then divided into Shared accommodation or housed decentrally in apartments.
- In some federal states, asylum seekers must up to 18 months remain in initial reception facilities.
Example:
An Afghan asylum seeker lives in shared accommodation. He receives monthly financial support for food and clothing.
