Integration law is on its way © Harald Tittel
The Federal Cabinet has launched the Federal Republic’s first integration law. It is an overall package with many regulations under the heading "Promote and demand". The regulations at a glance:
Labor market program
In the program "Refugee Integration Measures," the federal government wants to give 100.Create 000 one-euro jobs for refugees. According to the bill, the aim is a "low-threshold introduction" to the German labor market.
At the same time, the Federal Employment Agency will be able to oblige refugees to take on reasonable jobs. There is a risk of benefit cuts if measures are not taken. Benefits would then only be granted to cover immediate needs and only as benefits in kind.
Training support
Refugees with good prospects of remaining in Germany are to receive support for training in the future. Accompanying assistance or assisted training can be granted after just three months of residence, and vocational training assistance and training allowance after 15 months.
These offers do not usually apply to asylum seekers who are still in the process of being granted asylum.
Priority check
The regulation according to which refugees can only accept a job if no suitable applicant from Germany or the EU is available is to be suspended for three years. However, this only applies to regions with below-average unemployment.
Integration courses
Similar to the labor market program, the federal government promises more extensive and earlier access to integration courses.
At the same time, refugees would be obliged to participate. In the event of a violation, there is also the threat of a reduction in social benefits to what is immediately necessary.
Security for training
Refugees who have an apprenticeship should be given a secure residence status for the duration of the apprenticeship. If they are taken on, they will be given a secure residence permit for a further two years after completing their training. If no employment follows, there is a safe residence for six months to search for a job. In addition, the age limit for starting training will be abolished.
Tightening of permanent residence
Recognized refugees should no longer automatically receive the right to stay after three years, as has been the case up to now. In the future, the so-called "Dutch permit" will only be ied after five years, provided that sufficient language skills (level A2) and the ability to earn a living can be proven. After three years, only those who have reached an advanced C1 language level and are able to support themselves will be able to obtain permanent residence.
Residence assignment
The so-called "Wohnsitzauflage" (residence requirement) is intended to prevent a mass influx of refugees into urban areas. The bill allows the states to enact rules on the choice of residence for recognized refugees as well, as previously only applied to asylum seekers in proceedings. The states are to be given the option of prescribing specific places of residence or, conversely, of prohibiting people from moving to certain cities or regions. The scheme is to be limited to three years and will not apply to refugees who have a job, training or study place elsewhere.