A coalition of more than 40 migrant and minority organisations published an open letter on 20 October 2026 warning federal and state leaders to prepare protective measures if the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) enters the Saxony-Anhalt government. The groups – including the Turkish Community in Germany and the Federal Conference of Migrant Organisations – cite rising hate incidents and demand that residency restrictions be relaxed so vulnerable foreigners can relocate within Germany. They propose a joint federal-state commission to monitor threats, rapid-response relocation support for targeted individuals and guaranteed funding for anti-discrimination counselling. The letter also calls for a reaffirmation that Germany’s new citizenship and skilled-worker pathways will continue irrespective of regional political changes. While the AfD has played roles in municipal administrations, taking cabinet posts at state level would be unprecedented and could influence local foreigners’ offices that process residence permits. Legal scholars note that Länder wield discretion over integration courses, social-benefit access and even the pace of naturalisation interviews. HR advisers say uncertainty may deter foreign recruits from accepting offers in eastern Germany unless companies provide clear contingency plans. The federal interior ministry responded by emphasising that migration and citizenship law remain federal competences and cannot be tightened by a single state. Nevertheless, relocation consultancies report a spike in enquiries about transfers from Magdeburg to Leipzig and Berlin. Businesses with operations in Saxony-Anhalt should audit duty-of-care frameworks, brief staff on their rights and reassure non-EU employees that residence titles issued under federal law cannot be revoked by a change in state government.
Source: The Local Germany
