Need Advice on My Apprenticeship Application Process and Company Behavior (Asylum Seeker in Germany)

Question

Hi everyone,

I’m an asylum seeker currently living in Bavaria (Bayern) and I’m in the process of applying for an apprenticeship in the heating and sanitary sector. I recently received an offer from a company located in Rheinland-Pfalz, but I’m running into some issues that I hope you can help me with.

Here’s the situation:

• The company has agreed to take me on as an apprentice, but they have refused to give me a signed copy of the apprenticeship contract for now.
• They told me they will only send me the signed contract after I receive permission from the Ausländerbehörde to move to Rhineland-Pfalz.
• They also said that a worker from the Handwerkskammer will handle my application and the paperwork with the authorities, which is why they don’t want to give me the contract yet.

From my understanding, the company should normally give me a signed contract first, especially because I need it to apply for permission at the Ausländerbehörde.

I’m worried because if my application is denied by the Ausländerbehörde, the company might back out and leave me without any security or proof of the offer.

My questions:

1. Is this behavior normal when applying for an apprenticeship in Germany, especially for asylum seekers?
2. Shouldn’t I already have a copy of the signed contract before applying for permission?
3. What steps can I take now to protect myself if the company decides to cancel everything?
4. Has anyone experienced something similar with the Handwerkskammer handling the application process?

I’d really appreciate any advice, experiences, or opinions. Thanks so much in advance!

Answer 1

Hi friend, I am doing an Ausbildung and so is a lot of people I know in Hamburg.

Firstly: The Ausländerbehörde will not give you an Ausbildung Approval without the Ausbildung contract. They don’t want word of mouth, they want the contract. They **** at several things before giving you the permission. So it will take you nowhere if you don’t have a contract.

Secondly: I don’t know how it works in Bayern, but it might be very hard for the Behörde to approve your Ausbildung because of how far it is from your home. And if they do give it to you, it will be another difficult process to apply for the right to move out of Bayern for an Ausbildung. Please consider all these things and I’m in no way saying it’s not possible. But if you can find an Ausbildung in Bayern or surrounding areas that will work better in your favour.

thirdly: that company doesn’t seem supportive. Sometimes the Behörde can be difficult and it would be nice to have a company that has your back but this your company seems like they won’t have your back.