The German Adult Education Association (DVV) has criticized the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf) for stopping the processing of applications from people who want to enroll in integration courses at the end of November.
Sascha Rex, head of the DVV’s policy and association development unit, told the “Frankfurter Rundschau” that Bamf made no announcement or provided any justification for the halt. “We still have no idea how long this situation will persist” he said. The Bamf’s approval is required for anyone wishing to attend an integration course unless the job centre has already mandated it.
When contacted by the same newspaper, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) confirmed that the ministry is currently reviewing admission applications after a provision in the Residence Act. He did not disclose the reasons for the review or its expected duration.
Rex described the situation as “dramatic” for the course providers nationwide. Because only a very small number of pre‑planned courses can commence, many willing participants are left waiting. He pointed out that young people from Ukraine, who have been eager to integrate quickly into the labour market, are particularly affected.
Without the necessary approvals, courses for participants who are legally obliged-such as those directed by the job centres to enter the workforce swiftly-cannot begin. This effectively undermines the “Job Turbo” initiative launched by the coalition government for Ukrainians.
