Dresden receives award for innovative refugee advice!

Dresden receives award for innovative refugee advice!

On July 8, 2025, the model project “Perspektive Bleiberecht Dresden” was awarded the renowned “Proven on Site” seal. This title is awarded by the German Association of Cities and Municipalities and Re:Form to recognize municipal innovation projects in Germany and promote their dissemination. This year, a total of 29 projects were honored that are committed to areas such as the integration of refugees, climate protection, sustainable construction and digital administration. The independent jury, consisting of administrative practitioners, rated the project in Dresden as particularly effective and transferable. According to that Saxon Refugee Council The project offers individual and open-ended perspective advice for refugees.

The focus is on supporting people with long-term tolerated status in order to pave the way for them to have a secure stay. Dr. Ramona Sickert, the project coordinator, emphasizes that it is about offering these people a real perspective. To this end, the Dresden immigration authority has actively collaborated with the project, which, according to Denise Gräfe, the head of the authority, also represents a relief for the authority. This model impressively shows how cooperation between municipalities and associations helps to overcome social challenges.

Legal basis and challenges

But what does the legal situation look like for people with long-term tolerated status? Since the introduction of Section 25 b of the Residence Act on August 1, 2015, there has been a standard entitlement to a residence permit for tolerated persons under certain conditions, as described in an article by NDS FlüRat is explained. This includes, among other things, a longer stay in Germany, proof of German language skills and securing a livelihood. Even though the legislature originally assumed that around 30,000 people would receive a residence permit in the following years, this was only the case for 5,170 people by the end of 2019.

In addition, the law introducing an opportunity residence right was passed by the Federal Government passed to support the new beginning in migration policy. This law grants well-integrated, long-term tolerated residents an 18-month residence permit, while they must provide the necessary evidence to secure their livelihood. But there are also clear exclusion criteria: people who have committed a crime or deceive their identity are excluded from this regulation.

Farsightedness in integration

The “Perspective Right to Stay” project is a positive example of how innovative approaches and a cooperative spirit can play an important role in the integration of refugees. The next applications for the “Proven on Site” seal will be possible from autumn 2025, which means that more cities and projects have the chance to move into the spotlight in this way.

For the city of Dresden, the award is not only a reason to celebrate, but also an incentive to continue on the chosen path. The model shows that significant progress can be made through the joint efforts of administration and civil society to promote integration and strengthen coexistence.