I have graduated from a university in Germany and found a great job that matches my degree. With this work contract, I have applied for a residence permit for employment. My documents were accepted and I have received a Fiktionsbescheinigung (my student residence permit is no longer valid).
Today I was informed that my employer is facing bankruptcy and the majority of the employees, including me, were let go. I was also told that I am entitled for severance pay if I apply at the Arbeitsamt.
What does that mean for my residence permit? Will it still be processed to the end or is my application no longer valid? Should I apply for the severance pay? I understand that I need to look for a new job immediately, since I don’t have any other “proof of being able to secure my livelihood”. Is it best to call the ABH directly and tell them about the layoff or wait to get a residence permit?
First you’ll have to inform the Arbeitsagentur, that’s a mandatory step you can’t delay, even if you’re not entitled to benefits. They will not automatically inform the ABH (yay data privacy laws!), so you can wait for 2 more weeks, but really shouldn’t drag it out too long.
I’d also recommend to have a lawyer review your termination letter - if you’re out of the probation period, it’s not as straightforward to fire someone, bankruptcy or not. But to counter a termination you must file a protective lawsuit within 3 weeks of the date you received it, and that’s a hard deadline. It’s fairly inexpensive, and always recommended, really.
Thanks, but what exactly would I achieve with that? My only goal right now is to stay in Germany. I would be great to get severance, but I don’t really have much hope in that regard. The more i read the replies and discussions, the more confused I get. People recommend so many things, and I don’t understand what I am supposed to get out of those actions.