Ukrainian refugees in Jena
The first Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the city of Jena in the last few days. By Wednesday morning, a total of 26 arrivals of Ukrainian war refugees had been reported to the Office for Migration and Integration. In addition, numerous offers of accommodation from Jena citizens have been reported and are currently being examined. In the city's "Ukraine War Taskforce" working group, headed by Eberhard Hertzsch, Head of Social Affairs, and Benjamin Koppe, Head of Security, emergency accommodation was identified in collaboration with various city stakeholders. The "Stern" school hostel, for example, could offer space for a maximum of 60 people. There are also 40 places available for accommodation in the city's communal accommodation.
The website www.jena.de/ukraine provides answers to current pressing questions about accommodation for refugees and provides information about support options for people in Ukraine and refugees in Jena.
Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche says: "My sympathy goes out to the people who are now fleeing the war and have to leave their lives and loved ones behind. I would like to thank all municipal actors, partners and the citizens of our city who are currently working hard to find and prepare solutions for emergency accommodation and safe quarters." At the same time, he made it clear what an immense challenge the city faces in the coming weeks: "We have been able to identify the first areas to accommodate the first people in Jena in the short term. Accommodating the expected large number of people will definitely be a major challenge. The federal and state governments must provide clarity on residency law and financial solutions that cover costs as quickly as possible. In addition, the state of Thuringia must immediately support the expansion of accommodation capacities in initial reception facilities and initiate a distribution procedure with the districts and cities."
Head of the crisis unit and head of the public order department Benjamin Koppe adds: "The situation in Ukraine is highly dramatic. Neither the federal government, the state nor we as a city can say for sure at the moment how many people will come to us. We will prepare ourselves as best we can for various scenarios in order to be able to react quickly to current changes. We are working at full speed on our reception capacities - the existing emergency accommodation is only a temporary solution. One challenge is the procurement of equipment for accommodation due to the currently longer delivery times. Nevertheless, our message is clear: we will help the people from Ukraine pragmatically, quickly and without complications."
By Wednesday morning, March 2, 2022, 26 refugees from Ukraine who have arrived in Jena had contacted the city. They must now first register in Jena. Integration manager Andreas Amend says: "Of course, we assume that more refugees will arrive by the end of the week. It is important that these people or their relatives also contact us - preferably in advance - via neu@jena.de so that we can help with accommodation, registration and emergencies."
Head of Social Affairs Eberhard Hertzsch draws attention to the seriousness of the situation: "We are facing a huge challenge and cannot yet assess how it can be mastered. In any case, we are dependent on viable solutions from the federal and state governments. At the same time, he is impressed and encouraged by the diverse help from the people of Jena: "Jena's urban society is once again showing a strong commitment. Jena's heart beats for variety and diversity. This is even more evident in emergency situations."
The most important questions and answers
How is the city preparing to take in refugees?
Jena's Social Services and Municipal Real Estate departments are currently examining all potential options for emergency accommodation. There are currently only a few places available in the shared accommodation. The city has emergency accommodation ready in case more people need to be accommodated at short notice. If required, 500 camp beds with sleeping bags are available via the Jena fire department, which can be transported and set up at short notice.
As a precautionary measure, the city is also in contact with schools to provide short-term emergency accommodation in gymnasiums. In this context, chipboard was procured from Kommunale Immobilien Jena to create separable bunks in the large rooms. Mattresses for these bunks or cabins have been ordered.
Which asylum and residence regulations apply?
According to information from the EU Commission, the City of Jena assumes that special protection regulations for refugees from Ukraine will soon come into force. These regulations are intended to prevent asylum applications. Ukrainian nationals can enter Germany without a visa for visits lasting up to 90 days. The only requirement is possession of a biometric passport. A return journey is not required even at the end of the visa-free visit period. An extension of the stay for a further 90 days is granted by the immigration authority.
Appointments at the foreigners authority are made online at https://service.jena.de/de/online-termin
How many Ukrainians currently live in Jena?
There are currently 438 adult Ukrainians, 35 adult Ukrainian dual nationals and 74 adults with a former Ukrainian citizenship living in Jena.
Where can I go if I have accommodation options?
Relevant offers of accommodation for refugees can be reported via the central e-mail address neu@jena.de. The team at the Office for Migration and Integration receives all inquiries and offers and coordinates them as required.
Which private accommodation is suitable? What do I need to consider?
The accommodation offered must be located in the city of Jena.
A minimum level of privacy should be guaranteed for the refugees, i.e. a separate living space should be available. Certain areas of the apartment, such as the kitchen or bathroom, can be shared. Please only offer living space if there is a prospect of using it for several months.
Is there anything I need to bear in mind when letting people stay with me?
If you own your own home, you do not need to take anything into account. If you have rented your living space, you must first obtain the consent of the letting authority. However, you do not have to submit this to the city.
Where do I have to report that I have taken in people?
There is no obligation to register. However, it is strongly recommended that you submit a notification via the email address neu@jena.de as soon as possible so that advice can be given on questions relating to financial support or health insurance.
I have enough space but cannot afford the cost of living. What can I do?
Please send an e-mail to neu@jena.de. Our colleagues will advise you.
Can Ukrainian nationals be evacuated?
It is currently not possible to have close family members with Ukrainian citizenship evacuated by German authorities.
How is medical care for the refugees being provided in Jena?
The Health Department is in contact with Jena University Hospital and is currently examining how the necessary vaccination status for measles protection and multi-resistant tuberculosis can be provided. In addition, general conditions are being created to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from spreading. We can make a voluntary vaccination offer to people who do not live in shared accommodation.
How can I help with donations in kind or money?
On the website www.jena.de/ukraine, current aid and donation opportunities are compiled and continuously updated.