Foreigners' Authority Relieved by Self-Service Kiosks in Solingen
The Solingen Immigration Office is addressing a significant backlog in its operations by implementing self-service terminals, a move aimed at simplifying the application process and relieving staff. These terminals, located in the citizen's offices in Ohligs and Mitte, as well as in the immigration office at Gasstraße, offer a significant time-saving advantage for applicants.
Jan Welzel, head of the public order department, acknowledged the challenges present in immigration law but emphasized efforts to improve the situation. He stated that the new process aims to get back to more regulated procedures with the automated procedure.
Applicants can now handle initial parts of the process electronically using these self-service terminals. They can complete and submit forms, upload required documents, schedule appointments, and receive status updates. This digital service reduces face-to-face interactions, alleviates long queues, and speeds up administrative processing, contributing to more orderly case management.
The entered data is immediately digitized and transmitted for further processing to the caseworkers. Applicants are also informed about the necessary documents to bring to the appointment during the scheduling process. Appointment scheduling for immigration office visits is now possible online via the software "FrontDesk" on the city's homepage.
The need to bring a biometric photo is eliminated, as it is taken directly on site in the terminal. The self-service terminals offer clear instructions on the screen in several languages, ensuring accessibility for all applicants. Staff are available for support at the self-service terminals if needed.
The city of Solingen has presented three self-service terminals to optimize processes related to residence permits and electronic residence titles. The new process aligns with wider trends in Germany to modernize immigration services amid increased demand and regulatory complexity.
However, the current challenges facing the Solingen Immigration Office are not just limited to inefficiencies. The office is also grappling with increased security concerns, political pressure, and the complexities of migration management amid tighter national immigration policies in Germany. The government has heightened border controls and internal security measures in response to incidents linked to migrants, such as a deadly knife attack in Solingen in August 2024, which has intensified scrutiny on immigration processing and integration.
These broader challenges for immigration offices like Solingen’s include increased security and political scrutiny, stricter border controls, and rising deportations and complex legal issues. Despite these challenges, the introduction of self-service terminals provides a practical solution by improving application efficiency and easing administrative burdens.
[1] German government tightens border controls amid migration crisis
[2] Germany to deport Afghan refugees amid diplomatic tensions
[3] Solingen knife attack: Suspect arrested over deadly attack on refugees
[4] Solingen Immigration Office faces backlog amid increased security concerns
Technology plays a pivotal role in addressing the backlog at the Solingen Immigration Office, with self-service terminals being implemented to simplify the application process.
These digital self-service terminals, utilized for completing forms, scheduling appointments, and uploading documents, contribute to more orderly case management by reducing face-to-face interactions and expediting administrative processing.
