Thousands of refugees are currently unable to enroll in integration courses because the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has stopped issuing the necessary authorisations, a decision overseen by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). The German government’s immigration and integration ombudsman, Natalie Pawlik (SPD), has taken a strong stance against this move, writing in the “Frankfurter Rundschau” that it is irresponsible to impede people’s access to language and employment just when many industries are experiencing labour shortages. “Naturally budget questions must be examined, but whoever cuts here accepts slower integration, which is socially wrong and fatal for the labour market” Pawlik argues.
The “Frankfurter Rundschau” reported on Wednesday that the federal government was trimming integration programmes for newcomers without any announcement, explanation, or consideration for the major disruptions that could affect course providers. Pawlik described these courses as a “central pillar of successful integration” and warned that if Germany truly takes integration seriously, it cannot let motivated newcomers wait. “Those coming to Germany should be able to quickly participate in integration and language courses; many people from Ukraine and the EU want exactly that” she said.
These courses enable participants to learn German, navigate everyday life, and secure employment more rapidly, making them essential for a smooth transition into German society.