Some relaxations have been introduced to the rules of Jewish immigration to Germany
As is known, previously everyone wishing to immigrate to Germany had to score a certain number of points, showing that the applicant for a residence permit in Germany had enough chances to become a useful member of German society.
The procedure remains largely the same: one must prove Jewish origin, know German at least at level A1, and provide basic documents. However, as reported by "Russkaya Germaniya", two relaxations have come into force this spring.
First, disabled people, including disabled adults wishing to move to Germany with their families, will no longer be assessed in terms of integration forecast. Previously, all adults were considered separate families; now they can travel to Germany, for example, together with parents or other relatives whose care they need.
Second, people over 60 whose children or Jewish spouses already live in Germany are also exempt from the integration forecast assessment. This is important for many Jews wishing to bring their elderly parents to Germany. If earlier such reunification was difficult precisely because of the poor integration forecast for the elderly, now this restriction has been lifted.
BAMF also indicates that those disabled and elderly who previously applied for immigration under the Jewish line and received a refusal before April 22, 2020 due to an insufficiently good integration forecast can submit documents for reconsideration.
The new rules were welcomed by the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Dr. Josef Schuster. According to him, "the federal government has made a socially responsible decision and is fulfilling its historical duty. The Jewish community is grateful for this."
Since the collapse of the USSR, about 200,000 Jews have moved to Germany, most from post-Soviet countries.