Many companies in Germany – especially in sectors with a shortage of skilled workers – employ Syrian staff. However, current political debates and possible changes to residence law are causing uncertainty. For employers, the question arises: How can we support our Syrian employees to secure their long-term residence?
This article summarizes key findings from a webinar and shows concrete options for action regarding Syrian employees. It also provides information on the naturalization process in Dresden.
Why the topic is so relevant now
In light of recent political statements, Wirtschaft für ein weltoffenes Sachsen invited companies to a lunch talk on May 4, 2026, where they could find out how they are affected and what their options for action are.
Different sectors are affected to varying degrees. 1/5 of all 1.22 million Syrians living in Germany in 2024 have already been naturalized and are therefore not affected by deportation announcements.
However, over half a million people with the status of a “temporary residence permit for humanitarian reasons” are affected. The loss of these skilled workers would have a massive impact on supply and operational stability.
At the same time, the political discussion about possible repatriations is causing uncertainty among employees and employers.
Who is particularly affected?
Not all Syrian employees are equally at risk. The group with is particularly relevant:
👉 Temporary residence permit for humanitarian reasons
These residence permits are often linked to:
- the situation in the country of origin
- political assessments by the authorities
This means that changes can have a direct impact on the residence status.
In addition, the following applies:
- The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) can initiate revocation checks.
- The aim of such checks may be to revoke the existing protection status.
- To Do: Change to a secure residence permit
The common goal for employers and employees should be to establish a permanent, stable basis for residence.
There are three main options to focus on:
1. residence permit for skilled workers (Section 18 a/b AUfenthG)
A change from a humanitarian residence permit to a residence permit based on gainful employment can be decisive.
Important to know:
- Prerequisite: qualified employment + recognized professional / university degree
- Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (depending on the individual case)
- Securing a livelihood through employment
Advantages:
- Less dependent on political developments in the country of origin
- Stronger ties to employment
What employers can do:
- Interpret employment contracts for the long term
- Clearly document employment relationships
- Support proof of qualifications if necessary
2. permanent settlement permit (Sections 9, 26 AufenthG)
The permanent settlement permit is an important step towards securing permanent residence.
Prerequisite: residence permit in Germany for 5 years, livelihood secured, 60 months of compulsory contributions to German pension insurance, language skills at least B1
Important to know:
- It is indefinite
- It is not directly linked to the situation in the country of origin
- Although a residence permit can also be formally revoked here, the position is much more stable than with temporary protection status.
Employers should inform employees about the requirements at an early stage and provide support with proof (e.g. duration of employment, income).
3. EU Blue Card (§18 g AufenthG)
Prerequisite: recognized university degree, employment at an academic level, annual gross salary of €50,700 or €45,934 for shortage occupations
4. naturalization
Naturalization offers the highest level of security.
Advantages:
- Full independence from the right of residence
- No risk of revocation proceedings
Employers can provide support through:
- Information about requirements and deadlines
- Enabling stable employment biographies
- Flexible solutions for language and integration requirements, if necessary
What companies should do specifically now
- Create transparency: Address the topic openly & create information offers for those affected
- Check individual situations: What residence permits are available? What development opportunities are available
- Collaboration with specialist agencies: Migration consultations, specialist lawyers for residence law, contacts with authorities
- Acting strategically
- Clarifying prospects at an early stage
- Actively supporting the transition to more stable residence titles
Those who act now not only create security for employees – but also secure their own skilled workforce in the long term.
Note: This article is for guidance only and does not replace individual legal advice.
Resources for employers and internationals
👉 Fachinformationszentrum Zuwanderung (FIZU) Free legal advice on residence law
👉 Willkommenslotsen der Stadt Dresden
More about naturalization in Dresden
On 4 May 2026, Silicon Saxony welcomed the Dresden Immigration and Naturalization Office in an online info session – which informed interested international employees about the path to naturalization.
The event was initiated by Susan Leupolt (Principal Specialist Global Mobility EMEA, GlobalFoundries). More than 70 participants took the opportunity to ask their questions. Head of department Ms. Gräfe guided them through the most important requirements and procedures of the process.
The focus was on two particularly urgent questions:
Question 1: Why is the procedure taking so long – and is an acceleration foreseeable?
The authority is currently processing a high number of applications, especially from people who have come to Germany from Syria since 2015. At the same time, staff numbers have not been increased accordingly.
In addition, it is often difficult to check documents and proof. This is due to the partially destroyed infrastructure and limited official structures in Syria.
At present, each caseworker deals with around 100 to 150 applications. Ms. Gräfe is constantly lobbying the city council for additional positions. So far, however, this need has not been met.
In parallel, the Dresden authority is working on digitizing the process. In future, applicants will be able to submit their documents completely digitally. Implementation is nearing completion.
Question 2: Does the B2 language level already have to be present at the time of application, although processing currently takes around 33 months?
The authority’s experience shows that the required language level has often not yet been submitted at the start of processing. This further delays processing, which is not in the interests of the applicants (or the case handlers). It is therefore strongly recommended that the B2 certificate is submitted as early as possible – ideally when the application is submitted.
Resources for employers
Are you looking for in-service language support for international employees and skilled workers?
Then the Job – Professional Language Course (BSK) funded by the BAMF is worth a look:
Target groups:
- International trainees during training and in preparation for the start of training
- International employees and skilled workers
What’s inside?
- 100 – 150 teaching units
- No final examination
- practical teaching of subject-specific language
- Flexibility in terms of teaching format, location and content
- Number of participants from 3, language level from A2
Funded by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
👉 BAMF – Federal Office for Migration and Refugees – Job-BSK: tailor-made language acquisition in the workplace
Let the City of Dresden find and coordinate a course for your trainees/employees.
👉 Register here:
– For trainees (training accompanying) needs report “AZUBI-BSK”: subsidized language courses for foreign trainees during their training | Beteiligungsportal Landeshauptstadt Dresden
Before the training (preparatory) notification of need “AZUBI-BSK”: Subsidized language courses to prepare for training for foreign trainees | Beteiligungsportal Landeshauptstadt Dresden
For international specialists and workers (part-time) “Job-BSK”: Subsidized language courses for foreign workers and specialists – part-time | Beteiligungsportal Landeshauptstadt Dresden
Contact
Ivana Purath
Coordinator of language support for immigrants of the state capital Dresden
ipurath@dresden.de
0351 488 2137
Landeshauptstadt Dresden
Integration and Foreigners Commissioner of the LHD
