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Friendship in prison: The family from Rems-Murr fights for Jean from Togo
A friendly visit to the Rems-Murr circle begins in prison; important information about residence and the immigration authorities.
Friendship in prison: The family from Rems-Murr fights for Jean from Togo
A friendly visit to the Rems-Murr circle takes an unexpected turn when the guest from Togo, Jean, initially ends up in prison. This happened in the so-called “zone d’attente” at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, where border officials ironically refer to the place as a “hotel”. The designation as a waiting area reflects the difficulties travelers in this area have to exit the airport. It is possible to return from this waiting area immediately, but family members from the Rems-Murr circle are fighting for their valuable time with Jean, whose trip was abruptly interrupted. The names of the people involved have been changed as a precaution to protect their privacy.
Jean was invited to the family in the Rems-Murr district as part of a planned visit. His situation is not unique, as the experiences in the waiting area are stressful for many travelers. Especially in times of increasing global mobility, there are repeated reports of painful separations and bureaucratic hurdles.
Challenges in immigration law
The legal framework for residence permits plays a crucial role in such cases. The Aliens Law Department is responsible for the residence legal support of foreigners in the Rems-Murr district. Electronic residence permits (eAT) and other documents can be picked up here, provided they are ready. Otherwise, personal appointments are only possible after making an appointment in advance. Those interested can gain insights into these processes via the official website of the Rems-Murr District Office here.
The regulations on photographs, which came into force on May 1, 2025, enable digital photos to be taken by licensed photographers, which should significantly simplify the process for submitting an application to the immigration authorities. There are also special regulations for Ukrainian refugees, whose residence permits and work permits automatically remain valid until March 4, 2026.
The tense situation surrounding Jean's visit highlights the problem of bureaucratic hurdles that migrants face. The Rems-Murr-Kreis tries to facilitate the processes surrounding immigration law through information and support.
It remains to be seen how the situation will develop for Jean and the family from the Rems-Murr circle. Their desire for a carefree get-together could continue to be compromised by bureaucratic pitfalls that are leading many families to the brink of despair.