Fact Check: "Refugees in Germany get drivers licenses for free while German citizens have to pay for them"
What We Know
The claim that "refugees in Germany get drivers licenses for free while German citizens have to pay for them" is misleading. In Germany, obtaining a driving license generally involves costs for all applicants, regardless of their citizenship status. According to the Obtaining a Driving Licence in Germany, individuals must convert their foreign driving licenses to a German one within six months of registering their address in Germany if their license is from a non-EU country. This conversion process may require passing theory and practical exams, depending on the country of origin of the driving license.
Moreover, the new Skilled Immigration Act does not stipulate any special provisions for refugees regarding the costs associated with obtaining a driving license. Instead, it outlines general immigration processes and requirements for skilled workers, including language proficiency and employment criteria.
Analysis
The assertion that refugees receive free driving licenses while German citizens do not lacks substantial evidence. The sources reviewed indicate that all individuals, including refugees, must pay fees associated with obtaining or converting a driving license in Germany. The costs can vary depending on the local driving license office and the specific requirements for each case, such as whether a test is needed.
The Obtaining a Driving Licence in Germany source emphasizes that the process for obtaining a driving license is standardized and applies to everyone, regardless of their immigration status. Furthermore, the new Skilled Immigration Act does not mention any exemptions or free services related to driving licenses for refugees, which suggests that the claim is based on a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the law.
In evaluating the reliability of the sources, the information from the German government and official immigration resources is credible and authoritative. They provide clear guidelines on the processes involved in obtaining a driving license, which contradicts the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that refugees in Germany receive drivers licenses for free while German citizens have to pay for them is false. Both refugees and German citizens must pay for their driving licenses, and the processes for obtaining them are the same for everyone. There are no special provisions that exempt refugees from these costs.
Sources
- The new Skilled Immigration Act - Make it in Germany
- Obtaining a Driving Licence in Germany
- How to Get an International Driver’s License in Germany
- German Citizenship for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
- Going by car - Germany for Ukraine
- Transfer of Driver's Licences from Non-EU Countries
- Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - First steps
- German Driving License Explained [How-to English Guide]
