Special leave to remain in Germany for immigrants pursuing training

More than two years have passed since the rules governing special leave to remain in Germany for immigrants pursuing training were reformed by the Integration Act of 31 July 2015. Although previous provision was significantly expanded via the introduction of the so-called “3+2 solution”, criticism is still being levelled by policy makers, trade and industry and society as a whole. One of the reasons for this is the wide-ranging uncertainty which exists regarding the scope of this form of special leave to remain and the prerequisites that apply. This article highlights the current issues whilst taking account of the latest administrative provisions enacted by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) [Bundesministerium des Innern] on 30 May 2017.