Access to integration courses for refugees in Germany is being curtailed, leaving thousands unable to participate, according to reports. Course providers are raising the alarm as the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BamF) stops issuing approvals—a responsibility of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU).
“Especially now, when many industries are lacking workers, it is irresponsible to hinder people’s access to language and employment,” Migration and Integration Commissioner Natalie Pawlik (SPD) told the Frankfurter Rundschau on Wednesday. “Of course, budgetary questions must be examined, but anyone who cuts back here accepts slower integration. That is socially and politically wrong and fatal for the labor market.”
Expert Insight:
The Frankfurter Rundschau reported Wednesday that the federal government is cutting integration courses for migrants without announcement or consideration for disruptions to course providers. The German Adult Education Association (DVV) describes the situation as “dramatic,” stating that planned courses are unable to start, impacting those with existing approvals and those required to attend by job centers.
Pawlik described the courses as a “central pillar of successful integration,” adding, “If we take integration seriously, we must not keep motivated people waiting. Anyone coming to Germany should be able to quickly participate in integration and language courses; many people from Ukraine and the EU aim for exactly that.” The courses enable people to learn German, navigate daily life, and find work more quickly.
The Green Party expressed outrage, with Parliamentary Director Filiz Polat stating, “Interior Minister Dobrindt is sabotaging language and integration courses.” She added that course providers are “rightly sounding the alarm” and that the minister risks language course teachers moving to other fields.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior confirmed that approval requests are currently being reviewed, stating it is “not yet possible to say how long this review process will take and when a final decision on approval can be made” in response to a query from the Green Party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the disruption to integration courses?
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees is currently not issuing approvals for integration courses, a responsibility of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU).
Who is criticizing the decision?
Migration and Integration Commissioner Natalie Pawlik (SPD) and the Green Party have both publicly criticized the decision to restrict access to integration courses.
What do integration courses offer?
Integration courses enable people to learn German, navigate daily life in Germany, and prepare for the labor market.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees will resume issuing approvals for integration courses, and what impact these delays will have on the integration process for refugees in Germany.
What role should integration courses play in supporting newcomers to Germany?
