Erfurt (dpa/th) – Thuringia has extended its admission program for Syrian family members. “Syrians who live in Thuringia still have the opportunity to bring their family members over to the Syrian state reception program,” said Mirjam Kruppa, Thuringia’s commissioner for integration, migration and refugees on Tuesday. The Federal Ministry of the Interior has approved an extension of the program until the end of 2024.

Kruppa made it clear that the situation in Syria was still dramatic. There are armed conflicts between different groups, the economy is broken, hunger and undersupply make life with prospects impossible in large parts of the country. “Families belong together and only those who are no longer in daily fear and worry about their loved ones can really concentrate on their tasks in the here and now – language acquisition, training and work,” says Kruppa.

The state admissions program for Syria has existed in Thuringia since 2013. However, numerous requirements must be met for relatives to be able to use it; the hurdles are considered high. For example, someone in Germany has to secure maintenance for family members for five years.