The German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) and the German Cities and Municipalities Federation (Städtebund) criticized the restrictions on integration courses announced by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF).
DIHK chief executive Helena Melnikov told the Tuesday edition of “Handelsblatt” that language competency is a crucial prerequisite for sustainable employment. She said that delays in language support usually lead to longer periods of welfare dependence and hinder integration into the workforce. “Therefore early access to language offerings must be guaranteed for this group” she added.
Similarly, Städtebund head André Berghegger remarked: “The minister’s ideas are countered by the recently imposed limits on integration courses”. He added that those who want to promote integration through work must also actively support language acquisition.
Both organizations, however, welcomed Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s (CSU) plan to allow asylum seekers to begin working after only three months. “When refugees enter the workforce sooner, everyone benefits: businesses can access urgently needed labour more quickly” Melnikov said. She stressed that early labour market access should be implemented unbureaucratically and uniformly across Germany-without additional hurdles.
Berghegger called Dobrindt’s initiative a “significant signal”: work encourages participation and integration and raises the chances of reducing societal costs. He also emphasized that the possibility to work must, of course, not apply to individuals without the right to stay.