Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) aims to ease the employment ban for asylum seekers, allowing them to work after three instead of six months. The proposal is praised by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) and the SPD, while the Union sees limited impact. The announcement contrasts with planned cuts to integration courses.
Alexander Dobrindt, the CSU Federal Interior Minister, announced over the weekend plans to ease the employment ban for asylum seekers. In the future, they should be allowed to work after just three months, even if their asylum procedure is ongoing and they have not yet been recognized as refugees. This is part of his 'Sofort-in-Arbeit-Plan' and aims to facilitate integration.
Economist Marcel Fratzscher from the DIW and the SPD welcome the step. Fratzscher praises the initiative as sensible, as it helps asylum seekers integrate into society, build social contacts, and relieve the labor market. The measure eases the burden on municipalities' social spending and addresses the shortage of skilled workers. The Union, however, emphasizes a limited effect.
The announcement seems surprising, given Dobrindt's previous focus on restrictive measures in migration policy to counter the AfD. It serves to gain SPD approval for the national implementation of the Common European Asylum System (GEAS). This system provides for processing asylum claims for individuals with low recognition chances at EU external borders, including those from countries like Egypt or Turkey.
A contradiction arises with a recent announcement: Dobrindt plans cuts to funding for language and integration courses. Such cuts, according to critics, hinder success in the job market, as language skills are essential.
