THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Germany’s Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Bärbel Bas, a member of the SPD, has intensified calls within the federal government for stronger legal protections to keep young refugees in the country during and after vocational training.
Speaking during a recent visit to the ABB Training Centre Berlin/Brandenburg, Bas underlined the urgent need for certainty for German companies that invest time and resources in training apprentices. “There must be planning security for companies,” she said, adding that it is unreasonable to train someone today and see them face possible deportation tomorrow.
Germany currently faces a severe shortage of skilled labour and many firms are looking to fill apprenticeship positions. However, under current rules, young refugees — particularly those with Duldung — can be left in legal limbo during and even after completing multi-year vocational training. That uncertainty discourages companies from offering training contracts and leaves trainees without a secure pathway to stay in Germany.
In Germany, a Duldung is a temporary “toleration” status that does not grant a residence permit but merely suspends deportation for a limited period, leaving the person in legal uncertainty.
Training as a Gateway to Residency
Under existing law, refugees with a residence permit can freely take up vocational training and work. But those only holding a Duldung face a more complex situation: if an asylum claim is rejected during training, they need a special training toleration (Ausbildungsduldung) to continue. After successful completion of training, they may be eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit — but only under strict conditions and without any guarantee.
In recent years, German law has included provisions intended to improve prospects for trainees with Duldung. For example, the legal framework allows tolerated persons who complete recognised vocational training to receive a work and residence permit if they find qualified employment, and training periods count towards residence requirements under some schemes.
Since March 2024, a residence permit for vocational training (§ 16g Residence Act) has been available as an alternative to Ausbildungsduldung for tolerated persons or those whose asylum applications were rejected during training. This permit enables trainees to stay in Germany throughout their course and can facilitate later access to more secure residence statuses.
However, advocates point out that many Duldung holders — especially those from so-called “safe countries of origin” — are still excluded from training toleration, and regional differences in implementation mean that legal certainty varies widely across Germany.
“Time and again, people are deported right in the middle of their vocational training or directly from educational institutions. The federal government must finally take action here. A secure right to stay for young refugees and refugees in training is long overdue,” the refugee support group PRO ASYL said in reaction to the minister’s comments.
Minister Bas revealed that “intensive talks” are under way within the governing coalition to strengthen the legal right to stay for refugees who are in or have completed training and are integrated into the labour market. She emphasised that “those who have found a job or apprenticeship and are integrated must have a perspective to stay”.
What This Means for African Trainees
For many Africans in Germany with Duldung, vocational training is not just a professional stepping-stone — it is often seen as the most viable path to regular residency. Germany’s dual apprenticeship system provides recognised qualifications and strong labour market prospects. Securing a stable residence status after training — whether through Ausbildungsduldung or a residence permit for training — is therefore crucial.
If the government agrees on clearer stay rights tied to training and employment, it could significantly reduce uncertainty for refugees and their employers, and enhance opportunities for integration into German society.
Femi Awoniyi
