On September 17, the Round Table of Heinrich Heine University (HHU) convened for the first time at the very place where many questions about residence and procedures are decided: the Düsseldorf Immigration Office (ABH).
The hosts presented the new department “Education, Studies, Declarations of Commitment & Entry” with a clear message: simplify pathways, shorten waiting times, and make responsibilities visible. The diverse mix of universities, scientific communities, city partners, and student representatives once again showed how broad and strong the network has become. For nine years now, this has been the core of the format: navigating together, identifying hurdles, agreeing on solutions – So that international students and researchers can arrive, stay, and build their future here.
What’s new?
A real leap forward has been made in recruiting and settling academic professionals in the region.
For the first time, ABH has bundled university- and training-related procedures in its own dedicated department, headed by Ms. Solveig Wardi. The digital application process has now become standard: applications are submitted online, and appointments follow just a few days later. Currently, the gap between online application and appointment is around three to four weeks. Another major innovation is the New Customer Center, where first applications can ideally be decided directly at the first visit—if necessary, in several languages (with technical translation tools soon to be used in the office). Looking ahead, office hours for students and doctoral candidates are planned directly on the HHU campus. At the same time, ABH teams are being trained internally to provide consistent information and procedures. And—what we see as a major success—the FAQ list jointly developed with HHU will soon also be available on the Immigration Office’s website. The list is currently being updated.
Alongside insights into structures and processes, the meeting—as always—also focused on concrete cases, experiences, and questions from practice, from file transfers between cities to issues of study financing. It became clear: “From Fiktionsbescheinigung to actual residence permits” is more than just an aspiration; it is a joint working approach that is becoming more tangible step by step.
Looking back: from dialogue to joint practice
The current step builds on continuous exchange: between Mr. Bhattacharjee (Head of the Office for Migration and Integration of the City of Düsseldorf), Mr. de Weldige (Managing Director of Wissensregion Düsseldorf), and the heads of the universities’ International Offices.
Since the last Round Tables in 2023/24, a strong and solution-oriented dialogue has developed. What was then expressed as a need—better accessibility, clearer responsibilities, more transparent processes—has now visibly found its way into structures and routines.
This also highlights the supportive impact of Wissensregion: by bringing together the voices and strengths of universities, research institutions, and other stakeholders, and presenting them to the administration as a clear, shared, and neutral position, concerns are heard and prioritized. This role as a bridge and amplifier helps transform good individual solutions into sustainable, shared standards. For the benefit of international students and researchers, the universities, and the urban community.
Thanks and Outlook
We thank all those involved at the Immigration Office, the International Offices, universities, research institutions, and the city administration for their commitment. Together, we are working toward an international, diverse, and strong region of tomorrow—one in which everyone feels welcome. The Round Table continues on its course: accessible procedures, clear information, and swift decisions—so that international students and researchers can arrive, stay, and actively shape life in the state capital region.
Post photo: © HHU/Nico Stumpe
