legal and social conditions for asylum seekers and refugees in ...

Refugees with no private means may be granted a loan by the social assistance office towards a
deposit, which they must repay once they start earning.
The social assistance office also gives “settling in” aid based on a detailed assessment of
practical needs. This is often made in kind (second-hand furniture, kitchen equipment, etc.).
Rent and heating expenses may also be met by the social assistance office if a refugee has no
private resources, although electricity bills must be paid out of the basic social allowance.
Freedom of movement
Work
Both categories of refugees are free to settle and travel anywhere in Germany.
Both categories of refugees are permitted to take up employment on the same terms as German
nationals and do not need a work permit.
Language tuition
Only refugees under Section 16a of the Constitution are entitled to German language tuition, in
accordance with the Labour Promotion Federal Act, and they are eligible for support, including
the cost of the course and living expenses throughout the course. This is generally available for a
six-month period, although the length and content of the various courses may differ from one
Land to another.
School attendance
Schooling is compulsory for all children – including those of refugees, who are allowed free
access to the German education system – for ten years.
Although some schools organise classes where foreign children may receive special attention,
there are no general provisions for those who cannot speak adequate German; in fact, they are
usually placed in standard German classes.
Mother tongue tuition
It is extremely rare for classes to be taught in a child's mother tongue.
Access to the education system
Both categories of refugees share the same access to the education system as German nationals
and are en titled to the same education allowances.
Access to the national health service
Both categories of refugees have access to the national health service on the same terms as
German nationals. There is no qualifying period following recognition of their refugee status.
Citizenship
A new regulation on the acquisition of German citizenship was passed in July 1999 and entered
into force on 1 January 2000. According to this, children of aliens (including refugees) born in
Germany, who have at least one parent with an unlimited residence permit in Germany, may
have double nationality until they become 23 years of age. At that time, they have to choose
between one of these nationalities.
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Germany