Hessen: Mr. Abduljabbar Decides Which Foreigners Can Stay
An Iraqi national with uncertain legal status has worked for five years at Germany's Darmstadt immigration office processing residence applications and deportation cases for other foreigners.
According to Junge Freiheit, Mr. Abduljabbar has been working at the Darmstadt immigration office for five years, making decisions on who may stay in Germany and for how long. Yet he does not hold German citizenship and must still visit another immigration office in the state of Hesse to deal with his own residence matters.
The Iraqi national arrived in Germany at the end of 2015. By his own account, he waited more than six years for a decision on his asylum application. Despite this prolonged uncertainty, he has been employed in a sensitive administrative role that directly affects the legal status of other foreign nationals.
Rejected Asylum Seeker Granted Residence Permit
A recent report by Hessischer Rundfunk highlighted Abduljabbar’s work in the immigration office. One case featured in the documentary involved a rejected asylum seeker who became subject to deportation in April 2025. Nevertheless, the man was granted a temporary residence permit after presenting an apprenticeship contract and starting vocational training.
Abduljabbar, who studied English literature in Iraq before coming to Germany, stated that he tries to calm applicants while ensuring his work adheres to legal requirements. He completed training as an office clerk in Germany and reportedly intends to apply for German citizenship once he meets the necessary conditions.
Controversy Over Immigration Office Standards
The Darmstadt immigration office has long been criticized for its poor performance. According to the Hessischer Rundfunk report, it ranks among the worst-rated government agencies in Germany based on public reviews. The documentary was commissioned to shed light on how staff work under intense pressure to make decisions with far-reaching consequences for applicants.
The case has sparked debate over the extent to which Germany’s immigration apparatus now relies on individuals whose own legal status remains unresolved. Critics have questioned whether it is appropriate for someone still navigating the residence permit system to wield decision-making authority over others in similar situations.
The revelations underscore broader concerns about staffing practices within German immigration authorities, particularly in offices already facing backlogs and public dissatisfaction. The Darmstadt office continues to face scrutiny over its handling of cases and its capacity to manage the volume of applications it receives.
With information from Junge Freiheit
