Consultants and "helpers" who feed on the ignorance and confusion of those seeking permanent residence in Germany, or simply those who want to get a foothold in the West at any cost in order to escape the grip of poverty and hopelessness, are more likely to muddy the waters than to explain the real prospects. For example, absolutely all translations of documents made in Ukraine are not recognized by official organizations of the Federal Republic of Germany. Only a German certified translator has the right to certify a translation. And this is just one detail in the process of shaking money out of immigrants' wallets for nothing.
Who is granted a residence permit in the Federal Republic of Germany?
People from Ukraine mostly emigrate on two lines: the Jewish line and the German line. The so-called contingent refugees are accepted under the Jewish line. The main requirement for them is confirmed Jewish nationality. Under the German line, those whose internal passports have the entry "German" in the "nationality" column leave. One of the almost unaffordable requirements for the latter is the language test, which, by the way, includes testing knowledge of Germany's history and traditions. Aussiedler (as Germans from the former USSR are also officially called) can almost immediately obtain citizenship in Germany. Kontingentflüchtlinge (contingent refugees) are given such a privilege only after about seven years, and even then only if they are already working, know the German language, etc. In all other respects - in the right to housing, work, study, or social benefits - Aussiedler and contingent refugees are equal.
Another opportunity to leave for Germany is to marry a German (German woman). Not everything is smooth here, so don't fall for the bait of various dating services. For example, don't forget that German laws provide for the deportation of a foreigner if he or she has not found favor with their local husband or wife and has not been married for two years (previously three). So this period is akin to moral slavery - it is enough for the "German half" to file for divorce or complain to the Ausländerbehörde (the organization that handles the affairs of foreigners in Germany) for the one who failed the "test" to be shown the door.
There is also no full clarity with refugees (not to be confused with contingent refugees). "Asylanten" is what they call them in German, and in our language we say refugees. For a resident of Ukraine, their nationality does not matter in this case. However, it is extremely difficult for this category of citizens to obtain permanent residence. They will live in a camp for displaced persons for a long time, they will be given a residence visa for about two years, and then it will be extended, taking into account the law-abiding behavior of the refugee, the honesty of their evidence of persecution in the country of origin, etc. I remind you: a refugee can be recognized in Germany under three categories: nationality, ethnic minority, political motives.
The Country of Victorious Socialism
"Just think, socialism is not in the socialist camp and not even in Ukraine!" they used to say in Odessa, "but in Germany." In terms of social security, the residents of this country rank second in the world - right after Sweden.
Social benefits in Germany are received by all who do not have a job but have been granted a residence permit. The minimum benefit here is called "Sozial". Our people in Germany say: "I'm on Sozial." Even after a recent speech by German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who threatened to significantly cut payments to welfare recipients and the unemployed, the head of a family still receives just over 300 euros. Each family member gets about 200 euros. Children are supported by another organization - the Jugendamt, which provides "Kindergeld" - that is, "child money". Various payments are provided, and for the third child you will get about three times more than for the first. The birth of the first child also includes a one-time payment of 3,000 euros. Until the child reaches two years of age, you will be paid almost 500 euros every month.
As for medicine, one visit to a doctor for an examination costs at least 100 euros. Medicines are very expensive, and especially surgeries. It is clear that they are unaffordable for emigrants and refugees. Insurance medicine comes to the rescue, which gives all residents of Germany access to doctors' services. For those who do not work, medicine is still completely free. There are, however, talks that dental prosthetics will still have to be partially paid for.
For a profession - take courses
This slogan is very relevant for our compatriots in Germany. After all, having a Ukrainian diploma does not guarantee you a job at all. The diploma, however, can be confirmed and you can undergo appropriate retraining. Given that more than 4 million Germans (for information: in the Federal Republic of Germany there are just over 82 million inhabitants), many of whom have higher and special education, do not have jobs, our compatriots have very few chances.
However, all foreigners are required to take German language courses at the state's expense. Training on them is paid for as completed work. My neighbors from Uzhgorod, for example, are taking such six-month language courses from the Arbeitsamt (labor exchange). Vladimir, the head of the family, receives 1,700 euros. His wife Zina gets about the same. They are left with about 1,000 euros in hand, and the rest goes to income tax, mandatory health insurance, and the pension fund.
There is also something like our preparatory department for entering a university - for example, the charitable state organization Otto Benike. Here a young foreigner can receive a scholarship of 500 euros before and during their studies at the institute, provided they pass their credit exams.
Are immigrants beneficial for Germany?
If it weren't for the influx of foreigners, the demographic situation in Germany would be close to catastrophic. Germans almost never have children - this is an aging nation. The average age of the average indigenous German is growing rapidly.
Turks, of whom there are already more than 3 million in Germany, as well as Russian-speaking people, Poles, and immigrants from Africa and Asia - these make up almost a tenth of the population. The birth rate among Turks and representatives of Third World countries is quite high. It is no coincidence that a number of demographers claim that by 2030, half of Germany will be 'non-Germans'. But foreigners do not shun any dirty and heavy work - unskilled laborers on construction sites, cleaning, loading, care for the sick and elderly. That is why they are awaited here.