Migration: Government Plans Mandatory Integration Program

This is expected to bring, among other things, stricter German courses for asylum seekers and asylum applicants with a high probability of staying. The cabinet presentation represents the "starting signal" for the project, and its implementation is likely to take a long time.

Mandatory Integration Program Planned for Three Years

The plan was already announced in the government program, and the concrete development is now set to begin. The mandatory integration program is planned for three years and is intended for asylum and subsidiary protection beneficiaries, displaced persons, and asylum seekers with a high probability of recognition. In addition to mandatory German courses, including proof of acquired skills, basic rule courses and preparation for the labor market are also to be included. Penalties or, for example, co-payments are also to be introduced if German courses are not passed.

A key point is also the reform of social assistance, as Social Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ), Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP), and NEOS parliamentary group leader Yannick Shetty explained in the press foyer after the cabinet meeting. There is no specific timetable for implementation yet, given the multitude of changes to be made. Plakolm emphasized that the government is starting "immediately after this cabinet decision."

Shetty said they are initiating a paradigm shift, and it is clear that this must happen quickly. "But I would also ask for understanding that large projects like the reform of social assistance must be well thought out." In addition to the ministries, the federal states, the Austrian Integration Fund, and the Public Employment Service (AMS) are involved in the implementation, according to a press release from the federal government.

"Integration is Not an Offer, but an Obligation"

Anyone who refuses to participate in the integration program should be sanctioned - for example, through cuts in benefits, administrative penalties, or co-payments for repeating German courses. "Integration is not an offer, but an obligation," said Integration Minister Plakolm. "Anyone who wants to stay with us must learn German, strive for a job, and not only respect our laws but live by them." And: "Integration is a duty to be fulfilled."

"A claim to full social benefits will be granted if the integration phase has been successfully completed or if there are so many fully insured months that entitle one to unemployment benefits," Plakolm referred to a "waiting period of up to three years." If someone refuses to participate, "social benefits can be reduced or administrative penalties imposed."

Instead of social assistance, there will be an "integration allowance" during the integration phase, according to the Integration Minister. How high this will be cannot yet be specifically answered. "But there will need to be incentives to successfully complete the integration program."

Schumann Emphasized the Value of Integration for the Labor Market

Minister of Social Affairs Schumann emphasized the value of good integration for the labor market: "We need well-integrated people to meet the demand for skilled workers." It is about a "focus on language, because we need a language level that enables people to integrate into the labor market," the head of the department referred to the targeted Level A2. This also gives the AMS the opportunity to place those affected in the labor market. A focus will also be placed on women: It is about the issue of value transmission and equality. Bringing women into language acquisition is "very important."

In the overall package, a nationwide uniform social assistance must also be initiated, emphasized Schumann. All those people who are able to work must be given the opportunity to be supported by the AMS - for children, the minister also emphasized the necessity of basic security. They are currently in the process of clarifying the constitutional conditions regarding the "New Social Assistance," said Schumann, who also emphasized the necessary "very close coordination" with the states.

Shetty spoke of a "good day for integration policy in Austria," the "reset button" is being pressed and a real new start is being dared. "If you demand German, you must also promote German," he said regarding the planned mandatory courses. "We expect that immigrants will also complete the courses." And it is expected that "people who come to us accept the European fundamental values." "It is unacceptable if anti-Semitism and misogyny become stronger among migrant communities," he said. Regarding preparation for the labor market, the club chairman explained: "We believe that work is the best way to successful integration. We will create the opportunity for immigrants to pay taxes and not cost taxes."

Looking to Denmark

Regarding the question of to what extent the proposed sanctions are implementable under European law, Plakolm said they are looking at international examples, such as from Denmark. There, an integration phase and waiting period for social assistance of even five years exist. "This concerns people who come to Austria without a work permit, they have enough time to complete it," said Shetty. "If you don't attend the first time, there is a warning, if you deliberately do not participate, administrative penalties. Someone should explain to me why this should not hold under European law."

Greens for more speed

The Greens welcome the idea that integration should take place from the first day. Integration spokesperson Sigrid Maurer called for a higher pace in a press release. The mentioned offers do not currently exist: "Integration Minister Plakolm is urged to deliver quickly here," said Maurer, who simultaneously questioned how the "urgently needed expansion" should be financed. After all, the integration budget is being cut.

The same sentiment was echoed by Volkshilfe and the Catholic Action Austria (KAÖ). For a long time, they have demanded "German courses from the first hour in Austria, faster access to the labor market, and increased integration steps already in the asylum process," said Volkshilfe. However, the offers must also be available, as emphasized by the Catholic Action. The increase in binding nature is also seen positively by the NGO - "lower social benefits or fines are not the right way and are also very questionable under union law," criticized Volkshilfe Director Erich Fenninger.

The measures were also welcomed by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). The announced integration program sets clear requirements, promotes self-responsibility, and thus lays the foundation for successful integration, it was stated in a press release.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.