Germany allows stranded Schengen visa holders to stay and work until September-end

(TAN): Visitors who are stranded in Germany since March with an expired Schengen visa will be allowed to stay in the country until September 30.

The rule applies to those who still cannot go home owing to coronavirus-related travel restrictions and lack of transport.

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Germany’s interior ministry, that took the decision, said foreign nationals who are unable to leave the country will not be required to obtain a residence permit. Further, they will also be able to seek employment in order to sustain themselves during the period.

“Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this regulation regulates the extension of the temporary exemption from the requirement of a residence permit for holders of Schengen visas in the federal territory and the temporary exemption from the requirement of a residence permit for transit through the federal territory for the purpose of leaving the Schengen,” the administration said.

“Foreigners who are exempt from the requirement of a residence permit in accordance with paragraph 1 are permitted to pursue gainful employment to which their Schengen visa has been entitled until September 30, 2020. This also includes employment that is not considered employment within the meaning of the Residence Act,” it added.

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Foreigners who were already in Germany with a valid Schengen visa on March 17 or those who entered the country after March 17 and stayed in its territory until June 30, will be eligible for this arrangement.

The ordinance, which was put into effect earlier this month after being signed by Germany’s Minister of Interior Horst Seehofer, will expire on September 30.

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