The Chance Residence Law, which took effect at the end of 2022, provides a pathway to residency for individuals who have been tolerated in Germany for at least five years as of late October 2022.

Since its introduction, this law has granted temporary residency permits to over 82,000 individuals who were facing deportation, according to the German government.

Analysis indicates that among the applicants under the Chance Residence Law, approximately 5,970 individuals had previously been on tolerated status due to unclear identities.

The application period for the Chance Residence Law is set to end at the close of 2025, raising questions about the future of residency for tolerated individuals.

However, those with criminal convictions or who have provided false identity information are explicitly ineligible for this residency opportunity.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is advocating for the immediate termination of the Chance Residence Law, arguing that it allows individuals who have obstructed their deportation to remain in the country.

In response to these concerns, CDU interior politician Alexander Throm confirmed that the Chance Residence Law will not be extended, emphasizing the need for a new temporary residence title for well-integrated individuals.

The proposed regulations are expected to impose stricter requirements than the Chance Residence Law, particularly to prevent identity fraud and ensure compliance with legal standards.

This new residency title will focus on individuals who have clarified their identities, have been in Germany for at least four years, and have demonstrated job stability.

Tolerated individuals are those who cannot be deported for specific reasons, such as lacking identification or health issues, but they must comply with legal requirements to qualify for residency.

Eligible applicants can receive an 18-month probationary residence permit, extendable to permanent residency if they demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and sufficient German language skills.

Calls for termination of the law by politicians like Sebastian Münzenmaier highlight ongoing debates about immigration policy and the treatment of those with unclear identities.