German courses for asylum seekers: stricter rules announced from 2026!

German courses for asylum seekers: stricter rules announced from 2026!

Vienna, Österreich - Integration Minister Claudia Plakolm (ÖVP) announced on May 15, 2025 a comprehensive tightening of the German courses for asylum seekers. These measures, which are to take effect from 2026, aim to strengthen the integration measures for beneficiaries and asylum seekers. An important part of this project is the reduction of social benefits if asylum seekers do not take part in the German courses. Plakolm names Upper Austria and Lower Austria as role models for these regulations sought nationwide.

The new concept is part of a government program that provides for a mandatory integration program for people with a high level of preservation. In addition to the imparting of the German language, the integration program also includes competence screening and a mediation. In addition, financial ponals are planned in the form of self -retained if the participants do not meet the requirements of the German courses. Plakolm emphasizes that learning the German language plays a central role in successful integration.

comprehensive measures for integration

Due to a decline in asylum applications by two thirds compared to the previous year, the Federal Government expects a lower use of funds. In the budget for 2024, 60 million euros are planned, with 67 million euros, which are also available. 87 million euros are available for the years 2025 and 2026. These funds should flow primarily into the new, stricter German courses. Plakolm announces that before the summer, presenting specific suggestions for the desired sanctions that are based on best practice of the federal states.

In this context, it is important to mention that current offers for language support and integration are also geared towards the needs of refugee women, children and unaccompanied minors. The Federal Ministry of Family Affairs has initiated various programs to promote social participation and to support the integration of the refugees into the labor market. In particular, youth migration services are offered that accompany young people with a migration background.

The role of social benefits

The mandatory integration offers include not only the participation in language courses, but also the possibility of examining the learned. Presence in the German courses alone will no longer be sufficient. Plakolm emphasizes that the planned measures aim to achieve both illiterate participants and to improve general integration. In particular from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan, targeted speech and support should take place.

The planned program is in line with the goals of the federal government, which wants to help refugees to successfully integrate into society. Support for volunteers and citizens' initiatives should help promote the integration process and to strengthen social cohesion. The implementation of these measures is considered an important step by many to effectively address the challenges of integration in Germany and at the same time to manage the necessary resources responsibly.

Further information about the ongoing programs for language support, including detailed measures and support offers can be found in the publication of the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs that deals with the integration offers for refugees and immigrants.

for more information: vienna.at , Noen.at , bmfsfj.de .