JRS Germany on new regulations for migrants
The second chamber of the German Parliament, the Bundesrat, has approved new administrative regulations concerning the implementation of the latest law on residency of non-EU citizens.

Church and refugee organisations have criticised the new regulations alleging that they do not fully comply with European and International law. Under certain circumstances the regulations will allow for deportations to states where torture is practised on the basis of a diplomatic guarantee that the person in question will be protected.

However, according to JRS Germany Policy Officer Heiko Habbe, some aspects of the regulations are a step in the right direction for the support of undocumented migrants. “For the first time, the regulations establish that not only doctors and hospital staff, but also social service departments, will no longer be obliged to inform immigration authorities about the presence of irregular migrants. In addition, the regulations clarify that humanitarian assistance to undocumented migrants will not be considered as support for irregular residence, which is an offence under German law.”

Church and refugee organisations, including JRS, have been demanding these guarantees for some time. The article of the regulation relating to hospitals and social service departments, which provide financial support to destitute migrants, is expected to increase the likelihood that undocumented migrants will receive emergency medical care.