The German Association of Cities (Deutscher Städtetag) has joined a growing chorus criticising the federal government’s decision to fund language-and-orientation courses only for migrants who are legally obliged to attend. In comments published on 14 February, chief executive Christian Schuchardt told the *Funke* media group that halting vouchers for voluntary participants “sends the wrong signal” and could force many course providers to shut down.
Since late November the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has stopped issuing entitlement certificates for asylum-seekers and other newcomers without an immediate prospect of long-term residence. Voluntary attendees make up about half of total enrolments; without them many classes may fall below the minimum size required for funding, Schuchardt warned.
City treasurers fear a cascade of costs if migrants remain outside the labour market longer. Studies show that each refugee who secures employment reduces municipal welfare spending by up to €18,000 per year. Employers—already facing a shortage of 430,000 skilled workers nationwide—are likewise concerned that weaker language skills will hamper recruitment, particularly in care work and hospitality.
![German Cities Warn Cuts to Integration Courses Will Slow Labour Market Entry for Newcomers]()
For organisations and individuals navigating Germany’s evolving migration rules, VisaHQ can streamline the practicalities that precede any language course. Via its dedicated Germany portal (https://www.visahq.com/germany/), the platform explains visa categories, document checklists and processing times, helping newcomers secure the right status before they even set foot in a classroom.
Local authorities are urging Berlin to reinstate the vouchers or to create a co-financing model with Länder governments. In the meantime, HR departments hiring non-EU nationals should budget for privately funded language training or negotiate cost-sharing with recruitment agencies. NGOs warn that waiting lists for free courses have doubled since December, extending typical start dates well into the summer.
The episode underscores the downstream mobility impact of seemingly modest budget cuts. Without adequate integration infrastructure, Germany’s attractiveness as a destination for talent—and its ability to retain recent arrivals—will suffer.
Since late November the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has stopped issuing entitlement certificates for asylum-seekers and other newcomers without an immediate prospect of long-term residence. Voluntary attendees make up about half of total enrolments; without them many classes may fall below the minimum size required for funding, Schuchardt warned.
City treasurers fear a cascade of costs if migrants remain outside the labour market longer. Studies show that each refugee who secures employment reduces municipal welfare spending by up to €18,000 per year. Employers—already facing a shortage of 430,000 skilled workers nationwide—are likewise concerned that weaker language skills will hamper recruitment, particularly in care work and hospitality.
For organisations and individuals navigating Germany’s evolving migration rules, VisaHQ can streamline the practicalities that precede any language course. Via its dedicated Germany portal (https://www.visahq.com/germany/), the platform explains visa categories, document checklists and processing times, helping newcomers secure the right status before they even set foot in a classroom.
Local authorities are urging Berlin to reinstate the vouchers or to create a co-financing model with Länder governments. In the meantime, HR departments hiring non-EU nationals should budget for privately funded language training or negotiate cost-sharing with recruitment agencies. NGOs warn that waiting lists for free courses have doubled since December, extending typical start dates well into the summer.
The episode underscores the downstream mobility impact of seemingly modest budget cuts. Without adequate integration infrastructure, Germany’s attractiveness as a destination for talent—and its ability to retain recent arrivals—will suffer.
