Fast entry for earthquake victims with Berlin relatives

The Berlin Senate wants to make it easier for victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria who have relatives in Berlin to enter Germany. This was announced by Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) on Friday.

Turks and Syrians affected by the earthquake who want to travel to their relatives in Berlin should be able to obtain the necessary visa more quickly than usual. To this end, the Berlin Senate's Department for the Interior issued a so-called global consent. This means that the Berlin State Office for Immigration will no longer have to be involved. Spranger said: "I hope that the missions abroad will quickly take the necessary steps to issue visas. The regulation should apply to Turks, Syrians and other people from the earthquake region if they are relatives of Germans living in Berlin or foreigners with a settlement permit or a permit for permanent residence in the EU. Berlin also waives the requirement for proof of German language skills.

Initial regulation in place until July 31, 2023

The regulation concerns close relatives such as minor children and spouses and partners, the Senate Department stated on Friday evening. It applies to ten Turkish and five Syrian provinces particularly affected by the earthquake. According to the statement, the acceleration of visa issuance is valid until July 31, 2023. "The relatives will receive a residence permit."