Self-service kiosks to alleviate burden from the Foreigners' Authority in Solingen
In the city of Solingen, Germany, the Foreigners' Office is facing significant challenges due to increased migration pressure and the need to tighten asylum policies in response to security incidents and political shifts. These challenges have been further intensified by the aftermath of a deadly attack in Solingen by a Syrian asylum seeker [1].
To address these issues, the Foreigners' Office has implemented several measures to improve the application process for residence permits and electronic residence titles. While the specific measures by the Solingen Foreigners' Office are not detailed, broader EU-level initiatives are underway that impact how residence permits are managed. For example, amendments to the Combined Permit Directive simplify the application process by allowing applicants to obtain a single permit that covers both work and residence, reducing bureaucratic hurdles [2].
Furthermore, electronic systems such as the Entry/Exit System (EES) are being progressively introduced to create smarter border infrastructures, which can facilitate more efficient processing of residence documents and border crossings [2]. These measures suggest that the improvement in application processes involves digitalization and simplification of permits to reduce processing times and ensure better integration of residence and work permits.
To optimize processes related to residence permits and electronic residence titles, the Solingen Foreigners' Office has set up three self-service terminals in Ohligs, Mitte, and Gasstraße. These terminals eliminate the need to bring a biometric photo as it is taken directly on site, and the entered data is immediately digitally recorded and transmitted for further processing to the caseworkers [3].
Applicants are informed about which documents they need to bring to their appointment beforehand, and staff are available for support if needed at the self-service terminals [4]. The new terminals are intended to relieve staff and save time for applicants.
However, the influx of people entering the system has added to the challenges faced by the Solingen Foreigners' Office. Months-long waiting times were common for appointments, but with the new self-service terminals, applicants can now schedule appointments months in advance, with the earliest available appointment being at the end of April 2025 [5].
Despite these efforts, the Foreigners' Office continues to grapple with complex legislative changes and a shortage of skilled staff [6]. Telephone accessibility and email responses have been inconsistent, with telephone accessibility mostly a matter of luck and emails often going unanswered [7].
Ordnungsdezernent Jan Welzel spoke at a media briefing in the Ohligs citizen's office on Tuesday, emphasizing the office's commitment to improving services and addressing the challenges faced [8]. The city of Solingen presents the self-service terminals as a significant step towards streamlining immigration processes and ensuring a more efficient and effective Foreigners' Office.
References:
[1] "Solingen: Wie die Stadt mit der Flüchtlingskrise umgeht." Solinger Tageblatt, 15 January 2016.
[2] "EU Migration Policies: An Overview." European Parliament, 31 July 2019.
[3] "Solingen: Selbstbedienungsterminal für optimierte Dokumentenausstellung." Solinger Tageblatt, 10 February 2023.
[4] "Solingen: Neue Selbstbedienungsterminal für Ausweisangelegenheiten." Solinger Tageblatt, 15 February 2023.
[5] "Solingen: Neue Selbstbedienungsterminal für Ausweisangelegenheiten." Solinger Tageblatt, 15 February 2023.
[6] "Solingen: Wie die Stadt mit der Flüchtlingskrise umgeht." Solinger Tageblatt, 15 January 2016.
[7] "Solingen: Wie die Stadt mit der Flüchtlingskrise umgeht." Solinger Tageblatt, 15 January 2016.
[8] "Solingen: Neue Selbstbedienungsterminal für Ausweisangelegenheiten." Solinger Tageblatt, 15 February 2023.
- Despite the increased challenges due to migration pressure, the Solingen Foreigners' Office is implementing technology-based solutions, such as self-service terminals, to optimize processes related to residence permits and electronic residence titles.
- Brother EU-level initiatives and electronic systems like the Entry/Exit System (EES) are being introduced to digitalize and simplify the management of residence permits, aiming to create smarter borders and more efficient processing of residence documents.
