The "Welcome Map" is an important addition to the services for people with a migration background, especially in view of the growth in population. Out of the 13,000 new residents in Leipzig last year, just under 6,000 had such a background.
Contact points with authorities and services in five languages
Immigrants, in particular, are unaware of the relevant contact points with their responsibilities and services. This means that they are often confronted by many different authorities, institutions and procedures as they try to rebuild their life in Leipzig. And even if an advice centre refers the immigrants to the right address, they often do not possess the language skills or local knowledge to find it quickly. The Welcome Map can provide further assistance in this respect.
12,000 copies of the Welcome Map have been printed. It will be available at the Resident Service Offices, the Foreigners' Department, Leipzig University as well as the advice centres for migrants.
A Map as part of the welcome culture for immigrants
"The extension of our aspired welcome culture is not an easy, but nevertheless a worthwhile challenge that covers many aspects. The Welcome Map you are holding is just one small component of this," emphasised Burkhard Jung, Lord Mayor of Leipzig, in the foreword to the new publication.
Stojan Gugutschkow, Integration Commissioner for the city of Leipzig, praised the employees of the Association of Binational Families and Partnerships, who came up with the idea for this publication. "I am convinced that the Welcome Map will be a useful work and communication aid in citizens' offices, authorities and advice centres, but especially a welcome guide for new immigrants such as refugees, EU citizens, skilled workers or students."