Berlin seeks entry for earthquake victims

According to Social Senator Katja Kipping, the Berlin Senate is continuing its efforts to enable surviving victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria to join relatives.

"The State of Berlin is using all the possibilities that the federal Right of Residence offers us," Kipping assured on Tuesday after the Senate meeting. For example, additional staff had been assigned to the State Office for Immigration, and a further increase is planned.

Appointments quickly booked up

People who want to bring close relatives from the earthquake zone to join them in Berlin must apply for visas and submit a declaration that they will provide for their guests with the State Office for Immigration. In recent days, however, those affected had reported that booking an appointment for this purpose proved very difficult. Most recently, according to Kipping, appointments made available online were booked up within just a few minutes.

Accelerated visa issuance until July 31, 2023

The regulation on the accelerated issuance of visas for a temporary stay concerns close relatives such as children and spouses. It is limited until July 31, 2023.