Jews are one of the most scattered nations in the world. They are everywhere, and this is the result of the persecution that took place in the 30-40s of the twentieth century in Germany and its allied countries. Since then and over the years, the reverse process has been taking place - Jewish immigration to Germany. To allow the descendants of oppressed Jews to return to their homeland, Germany simplified this process, and provided for a special admission procedure for Jews from the USSR and the former Soviet republics. We propose to figure out how and under what conditions Jews can move to live from the CIS countries to Germany in 2021.
Historical question
There are many trials and troubles in the fate of the Jewish people. Probably the most tragic years for Jews were the years of World War II. Everything that happened during this period was later recognized by the world community as genocide of the Jewish people and received a resounding definition of "Holocaust".
It is believed that at least 6 million Jews suffered from the racial crimes of Nazi Germany, and modern Germany could not help but recognize this. However, the first to allow German Jews to leave the republics of the USSR en masse was the People's Chamber of the GDR.
The Law "On the acceptance of Jewish migrants from the USSR for permanent residence" of 12.04.1990 (Gesetz über Maßnahmen für im Rahmen humanitärer Hilfsaktionen aufgenommene Flüchtlinge), adopted by her, played the role of a kind of compensation for Jews for suffering suffered during the Second World War. Although before that, the leadership of the GDR denied the crimes of the Nazis and did not recognize its responsibility.
Subsequently - after the unification of the German lands - the leadership of the united country adopted this law. In particular, the decision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the FRG of 01/09/1991 on the law "On contingent refugees" introduced a number of amendments to it and allowed Jews from the USSR to move to the united FRG. It is believed that thanks to him, about 220 thousand Jews moved to the Federal Republic of Germany.
On 01.01.2005, a new law "On Immigration" (Zuwanderungsgesetz) came into force, according to which now Jews, previously recognized as contingent refugees, had to migrate to Germany in accordance with the Law "On the Residence of Foreigners in Federal Territory" of 30.07.2004 (Aufenthaltsgesetz - AufenthG). Since then, admission has been carried out according to the new rules. Now let's figure out what immigration to Germany on the Jewish line in 2021 gives.
What immigration gives
Immigration to the Federal Republic of Germany is an excellent opportunity for ethnic Jews to change their place of residence on favorable terms. In addition to the right to permanent residence, the reception of persons of Jewish nationality from Germany gives them:
- the right to apply for German citizenship;
- the ability to freely move around the Schengen area;
- social benefits and benefits provided for migrants;
- place of residence in one of the federal states;
- admission to the local Jewish community;
- the right to work in the EU;
- the possibility of full integration into the progressive German society.
Thus, the relocation of Jews to the Federal Republic of Germany has many advantages for them. But you must meet the conditions for admission and go through all the procedures established by law.
Conditions of admission
So, as follows from the Memo for Jewish Migrants, the Migration Office can authorize immigration and approve admission only on the condition that the applicant:
- is a citizen of one of the former Soviet republics or, being stateless, has been living there for permanent residence no later than since 2005;
- has Jewish roots by birth, that is, was born of one of the Jewish parents or his grandmother or grandfather is a Jew; provided that the only faith he professes is Judaism;
- speaks German at a sufficient level (minimum A1) and can document his knowledge by providing a certificate. Basic knowledge must be acquired by a migrant before leaving the country of his stay. Exceptions are cases when the acquisition or certification of language proficiency is impossible due to regional peculiarities, which must be confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany;
- able to ensure their long-term presence on the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany;
- approved for admission to one of the Jewish religious communities, which is documented;
- has good integration potential.
Note that persons born on the territory of the union republics before 01/01/1945 are automatically recognized by Germany as victims of Nazi persecution. This status allows you to go through the admission procedure without taking into account knowledge of the language and integration potential.
Integration potential
One of the main conditions for accepting a Jewish immigrant in Germany is his ability to ensure his long-term stay within the country. Before a Jew moves to Germany, the country's leadership wants to know how quickly the immigrant can integrate into German society, get a job and no longer need material support and social benefits from the state.
In order to make this kind of assessment, the migration authorities carry out the so-called integration forecast.
All data necessary for the forecast are taken from the general application of the migrant submitted for admission. The integration forecast assumes a point-based assessment system: the maximum number is 125, but 50 will be enough.
The decisive criteria that are taken into account include:
- Age. The Germans prioritize young Jews, so everyone under 30 gets 20 points right away. As the candidate matures, a point is deducted for each added year. That is, those who are over 49 years old cannot score points according to this criterion.
- Education. Those with a university degree, if their cumulative lifetime study time was 15+ years, can receive 20 points. Those who have a secondary specialized education or a college diploma will not receive more than 10 points.
- Experience. If it is more than 3 years old - 10 points. When calculating the assessment of education and work experience, the indicator of the spouse is also taken into account. You can get no more than 45 points per family.
- The presence of children. The specific indicator depends on the age and number of children, but you can score no more than 15 points.
- Participation in Jewish communities. If there is documentary evidence, you can score 10 points.
- Accommodation of relatives in Germany. The presence of relatives allows you to get up to 5 points.
- Language proficiency level. The minimum level to receive points is A2 - 5 points. Maximum - C2 - 25 points.
- Knowledge of other languages. Depending on the level, it allows you to get up to 5 points.
If you enter Germany with your family, the Migration Office makes an integration forecast for the whole family.
Who will not be able to immigrate
However, not all Jews from the countries of the former USSR can immigrate to Germany. In particular, immigrants from the Baltics are deprived of this right. This is due to the fact that in 2004 the Baltic countries entered the European Union, so Jews from these countries lost the right to receive admission in Germany.
In addition, attention should be paid to the prerequisite for migration - approval from one of the local Jewish communities. The approval procedure does not require a Jew to take any action or action: the Migration Office will independently request the necessary opinion from the Central German Jewish Charitable Organization (ZWST) or the Union of Progressive Jews (UPJ).
The former give a positive conclusion in cases where Jewish origin is confirmed through the maternal line and was passed on from the mother or grandmother.The second - if the origin takes place on the paternal side, that is, for those whose fathers are halachic Jews (maternal). In cases where only the grandfather is halachic, one should not expect a positive conclusion. And therefore, the Jews by their grandfather, even being immigrants from the USSR, will also be deprived of the opportunity to receive an appointment in Germany.
The decree on the admission of Jewish migrants also excludes the possibility of accepting, as migrants, persons who have already managed to move in order to repatriate to other countries, for example, to Israel and the United States. Thus, it will no longer be possible to move to Germany for permanent residence from Israel. In addition, admission under the immigration program is closed to Jews:
- who held high leadership positions in the CPSU during the Soviet Union;
- convicted in their country of residence for crimes considered by Germany to be intentional;
- associated with criminal and terrorist organizations;
- violating the free democratic order, calling for the overthrow of the government and posing a threat to the security of the FRG.
How to immigrate: procedure
The repatriation of Jews to Germany is a very lengthy process that requires the passage of mandatory stages after the repatriate has made the final decision on immigration. Among them:
- Studying the German language at the basic level A1 and obtaining a certificate confirming this knowledge.
- Collecting the rest of the documents, filling out the entrag, submitting the package of documents to the diplomatic mission.
- Interview with employees of the diplomatic mission.
- Receiving a response in person at the consulate.
- In case of a positive answer - preparation of documents and registration of a visa to enter Germany.
- Entering Germany, settling in a hostel, further integration into German society.
Let's take a closer look at the main points.
Obtaining a certificate of knowledge of the language
As we said above, a prerequisite for immigration along the Jewish line is knowledge of the German language at a basic level, not lower than A1 according to the common European assessment system (GERR). Confirmation of his knowledge is possible only through the presentation of a certificate. However, the right to issue such a certificate is granted only to some educational institutions. For example, the German Institute. Goethe or the German Society for International Cooperation, whose branches are also represented in Russia. In them you can pass not only an exam, but also get the required level of knowledge in special courses.
If the level of knowledge of the language is higher than the basic level, it is also necessary to confirm the documentarybut. A1 is sufficient to ensure the minimum criterion, however, a higher level will increase the chances of a positive answer and will be taken into account when making an integration forecast. For example, this is what a certificate of knowledge of the German language at the A1 level from the Institute named after. Goethe.
Later, after moving, the migrant will have to learn the language in more depth.
Collection and submission of documents and applications
The main document, which is submitted as an application form, is an antrag, the form of which can be viewed and downloaded here. If, together with a Jew who has the right to admission, members of his family leave, who themselves do not have such a right, they must also be included in the antrag. These can be spouses and minor unmarried children of an immigrant.
All family members entering Germany must also receive language proficiency certificates (with the exception of children under 14), and these will also be included in the integration forecast. In addition to specifying about them in the anthrag, information about them should be set out in a special appendix, the form of which can be studied and downloaded here.
All information specified in the entry and attachment must be documented, and the documents must be translated into German. When submitting documents, you must take into account that each of them is submitted in the "original + copy + translation" format. Of course, in each case the package of documents is individual. In general cases, the applicant will need:
- a document confirming Jewish origin - it must be issued before January 1990;
- identity document;
- birth certificate;
- diplomas confirming the level of education, specialization and qualifications, including a certificate of general education;
- employment history;
- Marriage certificate;
- certificate of knowledge of the German language;
- military ID;
- other documents that may be required when assessing the integration potential or required by the consulate (for example, a police clearance certificate).
The package of documents together with the anthragm is submitted to any German consulate in the country of residence. The time of filing must be agreed at the consulate in advance - it will be possible to submit documents only at the appointed time. Employees of the country's diplomatic mission will check the completeness of the papers and the authenticity of the attached originals.
Passing an interview at the consulate
After checking the completeness of the documents, an employee of the German diplomatic mission invites candidates for a short interview. There is no specific list of questions that can be asked to the applicant - they can ask about anything. For the most part, employees of the representative office ask clarifying questions regarding:
- documentary inconsistencies (for example, what is the reason for interrupted work experience for several years);
- desired region of Germany for relocation;
- the presence in Germany of friends, relatives;
- reasons for immigration to Germany;
- providing additional documents on certain issues, and so on.
After the interview, the applicant will be returned the documents and asked to wait for an answer. The decision is made by the German Migration Office (BAMF), the terms of consideration are purely individual and can range from 6 months to 1.5-2 years.
Visa application
After making a decision on the candidate, the migration office sends him to the diplomatic mission to which the documents were submitted. It, in turn, informs the applicant about the decision taken. If it is positive, the applicant is obliged to issue a national visa within 1 year, according to which he must leave for Germany within 90 days.
If a Jewish migrant, after receiving a positive decision, did not use the right to move within a year, he has the right to re-submit documents (until 05.21.2021 this was prohibited), but only once.
To apply for a visa, the applicant will need to make an appointment at the embassy, and then provide there:
- admission decision;
- national and foreign passports;
- 2 photos;
- language certificate;
- other documents at the request of the embassy employees.
Based on the admission decision, the applicant is issued a national visa valid for 90 days. It allows you to enter Germany only once, without the right to subsequent exit.
More about how the registration procedure takes place, will tell the article entitled "National visa type D".
Arrival in Germany and further actions
After issuing a visa, within 90 days, you must enter Germany in the region of settlement indicated in the decision on admission: as a rule, distribution in Germany is carried out taking into account the place of residence of the applicant's relatives or friends, or wishes when submitting documents.
You can enter Germany and get to the distribution camp on the indicated federal state by any means of transport. You will have to live in the camp for a certain time until a request comes from a specific settlement, which will become a permanent place of residence. Transportation there is provided by the staff of the distribution camp.
Upon arrival of migrants on the Jewish line to a specific settlement, they are also settled in a camp for migrants (hostels). They can live there indefinitely until they can afford independent housing. After receiving a room in a hostel, migrants need to:
- register with the registration authority (Meldebehorde);
- obtain a residence permit - in accordance with § 23 para. 2 Aufenthaltsgesetz, issued indefinitely by the Aliens Office (Ausländeramt);
- register with the social office (Sozialamt) to receive benefits;
- apply to a labor exchange (Arbeitsamt) and, after obtaining a residence permit, obtain a work permit, which, in accordance with paragraph 2 of § 23 Aufenthaltsgesetz, is issued indefinitely;
- register with the consulate of the country of your current citizenship.
Do not expect that the acquisition of German citizenship for Jews is also carried out according to a simplified procedure - this is not the case. Even in the case of Jewish immigration, all you can count on is a residence permit. However, it is also possible to obtain a German passport on its basis: for this you need to live in Germany for 8 years.
Subject to the completion of the integration courses and the acquisition of a high level of knowledge of the German language, in accordance with § 12 § 4 Staatsangehörigkeitsgesetz, this period can be reduced to 6 years.
More about the process of obtaining a passport can be found in the article “Obtaining German Citizenship”.
The cost and timing of immigration
Frankly, it is difficult to name even the average amount of expenses that immigrants along the Jewish line will need to incur - each of the cases is individual. Possible costs include:
- German language courses and obtaining a certificate;
- collection and translation of documents into German;
- intermediary services - if the agency is engaged in the design;
- registration of an entry visa - 60 euros;
- service fee - 18-20 euros;
- a ticket to Germany - 150-200 euros.
There is no specific certainty regarding the timing of immigration. According to the current practice, the period from the moment of submission of documents and immediately to entry into Germany can take a period of 1-2 years. Although it all depends on the country of origin. For example, in view of the events taking place in Donbass, applications from citizens of Ukraine are considered first of all.
Possible reasons for refusal
The reasons for the refusal of admission by the BAMF can be much more than the conditions of admission. This reason is usually indicated in the decision, but as a rule, it does not go beyond the general wording. Among the reasons that can prevent leaving for Germany for permanent residence along the Jewish line, include:
- submission to the consulate of forged or invalid documents;
- doubtful belonging to Jewish nationality or Jewish origin by grandfather;
- convictions for crimes recognized in Germany as willful;
- lack of integration prospects - low score of the integration forecast;
- lack of prerequisites for admission and non-compliance with admission conditions.
Conclusion
Immigration to Germany, even if you have Jewish roots, is a simplified, but far from the easiest procedure. All Jews and descendants of Jews who lived and live in the territory of the former Soviet republics, as well as their spouses and minor children, have the right to it. To do this, they must learn the language, collect a package of documents, submit them to the consulate, undergo an interview and wait for a response.
If it is positive, Jews within a year have the right to enter Germany, receive a dorm room, an indefinite residence permit and the right to work. After 8 years, Jews will be able to naturalize and obtain German citizenship.
