The goal of the project is to ensure that migrants with ‘tolerated’ residence status are well-integrated and able to make a significant contribution to meeting regional labour and skills shortages. The integration of this target group must always go hand in hand with qualified residence counselling. The chances of achieving long-term residence security are considerably higher when the potential of existing opportunities for employment or vocational training is more actively utilised – and when targeted, operational cooperation between authorities, NGOs, and other local integration and labour market stakeholders is put into practice effectively. Who benefitsThe target group is migrants who have been living in Dresden for an extended period under a ‘tolerated stay’ (Duldung) residence permit. In addition, the project provides counselling to individuals with a so-called ‘opportunity residence permit’ (Chancenaufenthalt) who require support in transitioning to a subsequent, long-term residence status. How it worksThe model project demonstrates that the labour market integration of individuals with long-term tolerated status is achievable when civil society and public authorities collaborate across sectors and work closely together in the interest of those affected. The counselling centre relieves both the immigration office and local employers by providing tailored, individual support on employment and residency matters. Applications for work permits and residence rights are submitted in a proper and legally sound manner, enabling efficient and constructive administrative procedures. Project duration1 Mar 2024 - 31 Dec 2026Project locations Germany Project websiteSächsischer Flüchtlingsrat e.V. TopicEmployment and skills Results By the project’s mid-term review, a total of 567 initial and follow-up counselling sessions had been conducted. The institutionalised exchange with the immigration authority ensures that, over time, more individuals with tolerated status benefit from existing residence regulations. By screening applications with no chance of success and submitting pre-checked, complete documentation, the project also reduces the administrative workload for the authority. Regular cooperation, technical exchanges, and joint case discussions have led to faster and more effective communication. Direct lines of contact within the authority facilitate the constructive resolution of individual cases and relieve all parties involved in the residence permit process. The follow-up consultations involved participants from 29 countries, including Russia, Tunisia, Iraq, Pakistan, Guinea, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Libya, Georgia, and stateless persons. The consultation process also engaged volunteers, employers, social workers, and medical institutions, highlighting the project’s role as a key local hub for residency rights guidance. The cooperation fosters mutual understanding between civil society and administration, allows for a shift in perspective on both sides, and ultimately strengthens social cohesion in the context of refugee reception. EvaluationIn recognition of its innovative cooperation between public administration and civil society, the project was awarded the “Proven Locally” seal („Bewährt vor Ort“) in the category “Successful Arrival and Social Participation” in 2025. This award is presented by the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (Deutscher Städte- und Gemeindebund) and Re:Form for outstanding local innovations. Additionally, the project was selected as one of 50 award-winning initiatives in the 2025 competition “Growing Together: Good Ideas for Labour Market Integration” („Zusammen wachsen: Gute Ideen für Integration am Arbeitsmarkt“), a joint initiative by Germany – Land of Ideas, the Bertelsmann Foundation, the Federation of German Industries (BDI), and the Mercator Foundation. The evaluation shows that structured cooperation with the Dresden Immigration Office not only eased administrative workload but also facilitated access to employment and training opportunities for participants. Lessons learned include the importance of building trust between civil society organisations and public authorities, the benefits of mediation by municipal integration officers, and the effectiveness of individualised, outcome-oriented counselling in improving long-term residency security and labor market integration. Funding and resourcesThe project is funded through the Skilled Labour Directive (Fachkräfterichtlinie) of the Saxon State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Transport. Co-funding is provided via prize money awarded by the Welcome Alliance for the development of collaborative projects aimed at structurally improving the arrival and participation processes of refugees. The Welcome Alliance is a pilot project supported by the German Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community. Stakeholders Coordinators Angela Müller (Managing Director Sächsischer Flüchtlingsrat e.V. )
