Federal Government Cuts Integration Courses, Hamburg Expresses Shock
Hamburg, February 11 – The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has announced that asylum seekers, tolerated persons, individuals from Ukraine, and EU citizens are immediately barred from participating in new integration courses. This decision, communicated to course providers via email on Monday, has been met with shock and strong criticism from Hamburg, particularly from the Adult Education Centre (Volkshochschule Hamburg).
Reason for the Cuts: Higher-than-Planned Costs
The BAMF cited higher-than-planned costs as the reason for the restrictions, stating that courses would be “managed more precisely” in the future. In response to an NDR inquiry, the Federal Office explicitly stated: “Primarily, people who will stay will be supported.”
Volkshochschule Hamburg: “Fulfill Responsibility”
Many course providers, including the Volkshochschule Hamburg, are dismayed by the decision. Uwe Grieger, director of the Volkshochschule, stated that new courses would have to be cancelled. He urged the federal government to “fulfill its responsibility for integration into employment and society.” Last year, approximately 6,000 course participants were referred to the Hamburg Volkshochschule by the BAMF. Just three months ago, the federal government had provided additional funds for these courses, making the current cuts even more surprising.
Political Criticism from Hamburg
Dirk Kienscherf, chairman of the SPD parliamentary group in Hamburg, accused Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) of denying people access to language and social participation – and thus their integration – through these cuts.
Impact on Integration and the Labour Market
Integration courses are designed to help immigrants and refugees settle in Germany by teaching them German and essential aspects of German life. The cuts raise concerns about the successful integration of these groups into society and the labour market. While politicians and businesses hope that refugees can help alleviate Germany’s skilled labour shortage, rapid integration often proves challenging.
Previous Calls for More Funding
The current decision comes despite previous calls for more funding for language courses for refugees. Education providers and trade unions in Hamburg had previously advocated for increased financial support to ensure effective integration.
Further News from Hamburg
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Initially, a verdict was expected by the end of last year, but the trial concerning the kidnapping of Christina Block’s children has been extended by another 41 days. - World War II Bomb Defused Near Köhlbrandbrücke
A British 500-pound bomb from World War II was discovered near the Köhlbrandbrücke and safely defused in the evening. - Jewellery Store Robbery in Hamburg-Harburg
Unknown perpetrators drove a car into the storefront of a jewellery shop overnight on Tuesday, reportedly stealing jewellery. - Warning Strike by VHH Buses in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein Today
The ver.di trade union has announced another warning strike. VHH buses are expected to be cancelled weekly, starting today.
