Köpping criticizes cuts to integration courses

Saxon Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) sees the planned cuts to integration courses for people with foreign roots as a fatal signal. The decision by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf) is "incomprehensible", Köpping told the German Press Agency in Dresden. "This is a rejection of the previous common view of the federal and state governments that integration is largely dependent on language support."

Courses are an important prerequisite for integration into society

According to Köpping, integration courses are an important prerequisite for active integration into German society. "This investment pays off in the long term. Participants get to know the language and everyday life in Germany. That is the basis for good jobs." The decision would slow down many people who are urgently needed in view of the labor shortage - for example in the care sector. "This is short-term thinking. I assume that this approach will be a key topic at the conference of integration ministers taking place in March and April."

According to the Bamf's announcement, the cuts will primarily affect asylum seekers, war refugees from Ukraine, EU citizens and people living in Germany with a tolerated status. In a letter from the authority, it states that, unlike in the past, foreigners without a legal entitlement should not be admitted to a course free of charge if there are free places available. Instead, the aim is to align access options "more closely with the available funds in the federal budget" from now on.