Planned cuts to migration and asylum counseling services proposed by the Federal Government could result in up to 630 job losses at welfare organizations next year, according to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, citing calculations from the Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO).
The AWO itself is significantly affected by these proposals. Approximately 112 out of its 466 positions funded by the federal government in migration social work are at risk, representing nearly one in four jobs. Across associations, a reduction of 27 percent in the corresponding positions compared to 2026 is looming if private or third-party funding cannot cover the gaps in 2027. This personnel reduction would also eliminate corresponding counseling services.
Michael Groß, head of the AWO, criticized the Federal Government’s planned cuts in migration social work as “short-sighted.” He emphasized that the services affected are not simply charitable donations, but are central to the economic standing of Germany. Groß stated that the programs facing cuts-which qualify people for the job market, strengthen community cohesion, and provide social safety nets where individuals would otherwise collapse on their own-are vitally important. He pointed to studies indicating that every Euro invested in migration social work yields a return of about 25 times that amount, arguing that the Federal Government is thereby jeopardizing the future. Ultimately, he warned, savings will not materialize, but costs will simply be shifted onto local municipalities and state authorities.
In light of recent successes of far-right parties, Groß stressed that the Federal Government has a special duty to strengthen migration social work as a crucial component of local support structures. He stated that current political actions prove “more than ever” whether Germany will design itself as a solidaristic immigration country or leave this decision to the extremes of the right.
The heart of the criticism lies in the draft budget for 2027. Under this proposal, the independent Asylum Procedures Counseling (AVB) will effectively be abolished in its current form. While the budget allocated for this service in this year is 24.5 million Euros, only five million Euros are planned for the future. Furthermore, the counseling for adult immigrants (MBE) is slated to face a four-million-Euro cut compared to 2026. The Bundestag is expected to make this decision regarding the 2027 budget towards the end of November.
