Asylum

29 C-Prints, 50x50cm, 2008-2009

In Hamburg in October 2008 more than 5 000 people lived in refugee homes or similar institutions. In all of Germany, the number exceeded 220 000 in 2006. Many have already been refused political asylum but cannot be deported for various reasons. Be it because they would be in physical danger in their home countries, because they are unable to travel or because they lack passports. These people are being tolerated in Germany.
Being tolerated does not constitute a right to reside in Germany, it just means that the deportation has been stayed until the reasons preventing it have been removed. The period of toleration usually only extends to a few weeks or months. Whether the toleration will be extended or they will be deported is only told to those affected a few days before their toleration expires. For many among those tolerated this uncertain state lasts for a long time - sometimes ten to fifteen years. What was originally meant to be a temporary state in preparation for deportation becomes permanent for some - there are children who have spent their whole childhood in toleration.
Tolerated persons do not have the right to take employment or to search for accomodation on the housing market. They are required to live in the accomodation provided by the state - the so-called "Asylbewerberheim". They underly residency obligation - which means they are not allowed to leave the administrative district they reside in. Financial support for tolerated persons in Hamburg is 35% below the support for the unemployed. Health benefits are only available in emergencies or if a chronic disease is feared. Many things that are a given for other people (such as braces) are not being paid for.
Those who had been tolerated in Germany for eight years on July 1st 2007 (for families: six years), were able to get a two year residency permit under strict circumstances. Those who arrived in Germany just one day later did not get this chance.