The German federal government has extended a partial suspension of admissions to integration courses indefinitely. The decision, outlined in a recent communication from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), impacts access to courses for a significant number of individuals.
Integration Course Access Limited
According to a circular issued by BAMF, no further approvals for participation in integration courses, as defined under Paragraph 44, Section 4 of the Residence Act, will be granted for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Uta Saumweber-Meyer, head of BAMF’s “Integration and Social Cohesion” department, communicated this decision on Monday.
This means that asylum seekers, individuals with tolerated status, citizens of Ukraine, and EU citizens are now largely excluded from accessing courses based on available spaces. However, course providers may be able to accommodate those who cannot receive official approval by accepting them as self-paying students. Tens of thousands of potential participants per year could be affected.
Financial Concerns Drive Decision
BAMF cites “financial challenges” as the reason for the suspension. The agency notes that “several extraordinary expenditures” have been required in recent years and that future access to courses will be “more closely aligned with the funds available in the federal budget.” The goal is to avoid financial risks and ensure the “sustainable financing of the integration course program.”
Individuals with a legal right to a course – those who are “permanently resident” in Germany, such as recognized refugees or economic migrants – are unaffected. Others, including asylum seekers during their proceedings, individuals with tolerated status, Ukrainians with temporary protection, and EU citizens, previously could apply for a course, but their access is now significantly limited.
Impact on Ukrainians
The decision is expected to have a particularly significant impact on Ukrainians. More than 100,000 Ukrainians enrolled in courses each year in recent years, often with state funding. They will no longer be able to participate through this funding mechanism. Participation is now contingent on self-funding or being mandated by authorities outside of BAMF, such as local foreign resident offices, which are not obligated to do so.
One affected individual criticized the new system as opening opportunities for “arbitrariness,” while another expressed concern that those required to attend courses may be less motivated than those who choose to do so voluntarily.
The SPD expressed opposition to the decision, with interior policy spokesperson Hakan Demir stating that “language is the key to everything, for work, for participation” and that the parliament has already allocated over one billion euros for these courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is affected by this decision?
Asylbewerbers, Geduldete, people from the Ukraine, and EU citizens are especially affected, as they will no longer be admitted to integration courses within the framework of available course places.
What is the reason for the suspension?
The suspension is due to “financial challenges,” with BAMF citing the need to avoid financial risks and ensure sustainable funding for the integration course program.
Are there any exceptions to the suspension?
Individuals with a legal right to a course, such as those who are “permanently resident” in Germany, are unaffected. Others may be able to participate if they self-fund or are mandated to do so by other authorities.
How will this change affect the integration process for newcomers to Germany?
