Update to Response to Information Request DEU21894.E of 17 October 1995 on "duldung visas" [DEU22379.E]

According to a fax sent to the DIRB on 7 November 1995 from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ottawa,

A Duldung is not a visa. Therefore it is not possible to enter Germany on a Duldung.


A Duldung is issued in certain cases by German Alien Authorities to foreign nationals to allow them to remain in Germany for a limited time even though they are legally obliged to leave the country, i.e. for humanitarian reasons. However, the person will have to depart from Germany eventually.


Thus, such a person would not be able to have his status altered, unless - and this would be the only exception - he would marry a German citizen. In such a case he could obtain a residence permit without leaving Germany.


A recognized refugee would be able to apply for German citizenship after at least seven years of legal residence in Germany.


This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Ottawa. 7 November 1995. Facsimile sent to the DIRB.