A technical issue has been affecting the security checks of foreign authorities in Hesse, Germany, since March, resulting in the inability to issue residence permits. This has potentially impacted thousands of people, including students and workers, who are unable to start their studies or jobs, according to a correspondence revealed by the “Frag den Staat” portal and the taz newspaper. The Hesse Interior Ministry has reported that authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg and Hamburg are also affected.
In Hesse, all decisions regarding unlimited stays were lost due to the technical issue at the interface between the Federal Administrative Office and the Online Security Check System, between March 12 and 18. Staff members have complained of significant restrictions. The Federal Interior Ministry did not comment on whether the lack of security measures could lead to a potential threat, when asked by the taz. The Hesse Interior Ministry assessed the risk as “low” when inquired by the taz.