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 My documents were accepted and I have received a Fiktionsbescheinigung (my student residence permit is no longer valid).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 Will it still be processed to the end or is my application no longer valid?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?
Fair question. You don’t achieve any direct benefit, but you get the official documentation of your unemployment status. It is creating the ‘paper trail’.
Some day later, you may need that in order to get some other benefit or to avoid formal/legal complications. The longer you are going to stay in Germany, the more likely you will have such a situation.