Timelines

Former GDR contract workers, including many Vietnamese, are forced into unemployment after reunification due to the state treaty on economic, monetary, and social union between the two states signed in May 1990 and the closure of many former GDR businesses. However, the Federal Republic offered 3,000 DM for departure and a free return flight to their countries of origin. However, one third of former Vietnamese employees decide against leaving because they expect difficult living conditions in Vietnam. They must therefore prove that they have sufficient living space and a regular income and that they have not committed any criminal offenses. Since many do not meet these criteria, some of them start trading in undeclared goods. It is only the right of residence regulation introduced in 1997, according to which eight years of legal residence leads to a permanent residence permit, that enables former contract workers to remain in the FRG permanently. The agreement also toughens the stance towards all Vietnamese who try to immigrate to Germany for political and economic reasons after reunification. The agreement contained the condition that Vietnam would accept deported contract workers and in return receive DM 100 million in “development aid” from the FRG. Before their expulsion, most had to spend a long time in so-called deportation centers.