An election in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt could mark a significant turning point for the foreign residents who call it home. The far-right AfD party is in a strong position heading into the vote, and its proposed policies have raised serious concerns among immigrants and expats in the region. Described by critics as a shift from a 'welcome culture to a farewell culture', the AfD's platform signals a potentially hostile environment for non-Germans. Understanding what this could mean in practical terms — for your residence, your rights, and your daily life — is essential reading if you live in, or are considering moving to, Saxony-Anhalt.
The AfD has built its political identity around strict immigration restrictions and a push to reduce the number of foreigners living in Germany. While state governments have limited powers over federal immigration law, they do influence how policies are implemented locally — including the resourcing of integration services, the tone of local authorities, and the political pressure placed on federal institutions like the Ausländerbehörde and BAMF.
The phrase 'farewell culture' used in relation to the AfD's plans suggests a deliberate reversal of the openness that characterised Germany's approach to immigration in recent years. For foreign residents, this framing alone is significant: it signals a political environment that is less welcoming, even if specific legal rights remain governed by federal law.
It is important to note that the AfD's proposals are policy positions ahead of an election — they are not yet law, and many would require changes at the federal level to be implemented. Nonetheless, the political direction matters for the everyday experience of living as a foreigner in a state where the governing party views your presence as a problem to be solved.
State governments in Germany have influence over several areas that directly affect foreigners' lives, even if core immigration law is set federally. These include:
Local integration services: Funding and political support for Integrationskurs programmes, language classes, and social services for newcomers could be reduced under an AfD-led government. If the state deprioritises integration, the practical support available to foreign residents may diminish.
The tone of local authorities: The political climate set by a state government shapes how institutions behave. An AfD government in Saxony-Anhalt could mean a less supportive experience when dealing with local offices, including those handling residence and registration matters.
Public safety and discrimination: A political environment that normalises anti-immigration rhetoric can embolden discrimination in housing, employment, and public spaces. Foreign residents — particularly those who are visibly or audibly 'different' — may face increased hostility.
Asylum and refugee processing: State governments play a role in how asylum seekers are housed and supported. An AfD-led administration could push for more restrictive local practices within the limits of federal law.
It is worth being clear: your Aufenthaltstitel, your right to work, your access to Krankenversicherung and other federally guaranteed rights are not in the hands of the state government. German federal law and EU regulations continue to apply regardless of who governs Saxony-Anhalt. Any change to these rights would require action at the federal level.
That said, the political environment a state government creates can make the exercise of those rights feel harder in practice. Legal protection and lived experience are not always the same thing.
Your Aufenthaltstitel is governed by federal immigration law, not state policy. A state election result does not automatically change your legal status. However, it may affect how local authorities implement rules and how supportive local institutions are. If you have concerns about your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or contact your Ausländerbehörde directly.
State governments have influence over how integration resources are funded and prioritised locally. An AfD-led government that is hostile to immigration could reduce support for integration programmes, though federally mandated services through BAMF operate under separate rules. It is advisable to make use of available integration resources now and stay informed about any local policy changes after the election.
An increase in anti-immigration political rhetoric can sometimes correlate with a rise in discrimination or hostility in public life. If you experience discrimination or a hate incident, organisations such as Weisser Ring and local anti-discrimination bodies can provide support — look up their official contact details to find the right service for your situation.
Follow the election results closely and monitor announcements from the new state government regarding integration, migration and social services. Connecting with local expat communities and immigrant support organisations in Saxony-Anhalt is also a practical way to stay informed and supported.
The Saxony-Anhalt state election is a moment that foreign residents in the region — and those watching from elsewhere in Germany — should take seriously. While federal law provides a floor of protection for your rights, the political environment shaped by a state government matters for your day-to-day experience. Stay informed, connect with support networks, and if you have specific concerns about your legal status, seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or contact BAMF directly.
Source: The Local
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