The German Police Union (DPolG) has sharply criticized Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s proposal to allow asylum seekers to begin working after just three months.
Heiko Teggatz, the union’s chairman, told the “Bild” (Tuesday edition) that the plan is incompatible with the government’s announced “asylum turnaround” policy. He called it “a gift for the SPD” and argued that people who qualify for subsidised protection, who entered Germany through a safe third country, or who come from a safe country of origin should never be affected by such a rule. According to Teggatz, these individuals have no realistic chance of obtaining a permanent stay, and the proposal would be a pull factor that would undermine the asylum turnaround strategy.
While Teggatz added that working would “basically have no impact on possible deportation” he also warned that the plan was “highly unserious” toward both asylum seekers and employers. He contended that suggesting a permanent residence through a temporary work permit, only to revoke it later, would be unethical.
The union suggested that those who wish to work in Germany should apply for a proper work visa at their embassy abroad and then legally enter Germany, an approach that, Teggatz said, should be upheld as the correct principle.