Case of Japanese church musician Mizuki Ikeya from Stuttgart

The case of Japanese church musician Mizuki Ikeya from Stuttgart has attracted nationwide attention – and impressively demonstrates the extent of uncertainty surrounding residence permits in Germany. Although she received a fictitious certificate of residence for years and worked in a church congregation, she lost her job because her employer mistakenly assumed she was no longer eligible to be employed . In fact, the employment law was in place, but a lack of clarity, long processing times, and confusing ancillary provisions led to serious consequences – for both employers and employees.

Unclear legal situation creates uncertainty for employers

This example highlights a core problem: In everyday life, employers have few reliable ways to quickly verify whether a residence status is linked to a work permit, even though they are obligated to do so under Section 4a of the Residence Act . Fictitious certificates are difficult to understand, information sheets are incomplete, and responses from immigration authorities often take weeks. The result: unpaid leave, dismissals, and a high degree of legal uncertainty. This is an untenable situation, especially at a time when Germany urgently needs skilled workers.

Digital systems as a model

Other countries have long since introduced digital solutions. In the United Kingdom, employers can use the so-called eVisa to instantly check online whether a person is permitted to work via Share Code. Australia ( VEVO ) and New Zealand ( VisaView ) rely on comparable systems. These models create clarity, ease the burden on authorities, and give companies the planning security they urgently need.

Conclusion: Germany needs a digital residence register

A digital system for verifying residency and employment status is long overdue in Germany. It would create legal clarity for employers, protect migrants from unnecessary hardship, and significantly ease the burden on immigration authorities. Cases like Mizuki Ikeya's must not be repeated. If Germany wants to compete internationally for skilled workers, digitalization must finally become a reality in immigration law.