In Lower Franconia, the government, districts and municipalities are preparing for a larger number of refugees from Ukraine. The first Ukrainians have already arrived in the Rhön this week. A total of almost 50 refugees from Ukraine were officially registered with the government of Lower Franconia by Wednesday afternoon. Even if the situation cannot be assessed at the moment, one must expect a larger movement of refugees, says government spokesman Johannes Hardenacke. All Lower Franconian districts and many municipalities have therefore already formed crisis or coordination staffs.
In some districts, citizens who have free living space are already being asked to register. How are the preparations going? Answers to the most important questions.
How are municipalities preparing for the refugees?
All Lower Franconian district administration authorities have activated their crisis or coordination centers and are checking their accommodation capacities, the Lower Franconia government announced. The government itself coordinates closely with the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior and the district administration authorities. Ukrainian nationals are free to stay with relatives or acquaintances, and this is also supported.
In order to be able to create additional capacities in the short term, the government is currently checking the capacities in the existing accommodation, according to spokesman Johannes Hardenacke. Anyone who can provide real estate for larger accommodations (from 40 people) should contact the government of Lower Franconia directly.
The city of Schweinfurt is already examining municipal properties that could offer refuge to Ukrainian refugees. Among other things, the former initial reception facility in the Ledward Barracks is being prepared as a precautionary measure, the city announced. The city and district of Würzburg also have suitable properties.
What do I have to consider if I take in refugees privately?
The government of Lower Franconia announced that privately accommodated refugees from the Ukraine may stay in Germany for up to 90 days. Nevertheless, it is advisable to register on site as early as possible. This week, the government will also set up a central registration office for all of Lower Franconia and announce information about it.
This registration is particularly important in order to obtain a residence permit and the associated work permit, according to the Foreigners’ Advisory Board of the City of Würzburg. Refugee Ukrainians could then also pursue employment. According to the Advisory Board for Foreigners, official registration is also very important because it can be used to apply for transfer payments and health insurance.
Can I accept refugees at the German border on my own initiative?
The district of Main-Spessart asks its citizens to refrain from organizing transport from the German border and accommodation in private rooms on their own initiative without prior consultation with the responsible authorities. This is important so that the help and accommodation can be organized properly and in accordance with the legal framework.
How many refugees are on the way?
According to estimates by the United Nations refugee agency, almost 700,000 Ukrainians are now fleeing. But you have to reckon with more than four million refugees. How many of them come to Germany also depends heavily on the absorption capacity of the neighboring countries Poland and Slovakia. Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann expects 50,000 refugees in Bavaria.
Is there enough capacity in the refugee accommodation?
According to the government of Lower Franconia, the government accommodations are regularly busy. However, further assignments are being prepared. Any decentralized accommodation option with relatives, acquaintances or friends is therefore welcome. All Lower Franconian districts, as well as the cities of Würzburg, Schweinfurt and Aschaffenburg, are checking whether emergency shelters can be set up. Some municipalities have asked clubs for accommodation in gymnasiums or similar premises.
Where can I report vacant housing?
Anyone who has a vacant apartment and would like to make it available to people from Ukraine can register on the Platform www.elinor.network to register. Almost 150,000 free beds are already registered there throughout Germany. A free bed, room or apartment can also be reported directly to the district offices or municipalities by email or telephone.
The district of Main-Spessart has set up its own e-mail address for this: Housing offers can be reported at [email protected]. This is going under in the district of Schweinfurt [email protected]. Miltenberg and other districts also have such email addresses or web forms. The references can be found on the homepages of the individual districts. If you have free living space, you should provide all relevant data (size, address, equipment, possible number of people and contact details). As soon as there is a specific need, the municipalities or district offices contact the providers to coordinate the procedure.
What else is currently needed for refugees?
In Aschaffenburg, there is also a targeted search for language mediators who speak Ukrainian or Russian. You can get in touch at the e-mail address [email protected]. The Würzburg district office is also asking people who speak Ukrainian to contact them by phone or email.
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