Cutting costs in the wrong place

The German Ministry of the Interior imposed a freeze on new admissions for voluntary integration courses under Section 44(4) of the German Residence Act (Aufenthaltsgesetz, AufenthG). Following weeks of negotiations, the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Ministry reached a compromise in May 2026 that sees the restrictions gradually eased, with a phased reopening under a quota system, alongside introductory orientation courses. We spoke to Marie Batzel from Cologne Adult Education Centre about what these cuts mean for those who rely on these courses.

What impact will the planned freeze on enrolment in integration courses have on your course programme, and what are the implications for the integration system as a whole?

Marie Batzel: At present, integration courses are still starting every month at the Cologne Adult Education Centre (Volkshochschule, VHS). Since many participants still have BAMF permits issued last year, the full impact of the “admissions freeze” imposed by the German Ministry for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) will only become apparent in the coming weeks and months. That said, there has already been a marked decline in the number of participants in integration courses. On the one hand, this is a result of the downturn in migration; on the other, it reflects the fact that people are no longer receiving authorisation from BAMF to attend these courses. 

For the Cologne VHS, as well as other providers of language and continuing education courses, the freeze on admissions will result in significant losses of income and considerable uncertainty. For providers, however, planning certainty is essential if they are to maintain their course programmes, retain freelance instructors and offer participants reliable prospects. 

The BAMF’s admissions freeze thus jeopardises Cologne’s integration framework, with significant consequences for the people affected, as well as for society and the labour market as a whole. It is likely that some integration course providers will be forced to close, taking their course programmes and expertise with them. This is something that is already becoming apparent now. 

How do you view the restrictions on access to integration courses – particularly for groups such as asylum seekers or EU citizens. 

These groups are affected by the BAMF admissions freeze I mentioned earlier. It goes without saying that the vast majority of these people also want to learn German, find a job or apprenticeship, and contribute to the community. Time and again we hear how important it is to participants to find employment where they can make use of their qualifications and prior training. Clearly their aim is also to be financially independent and to avoid feeling helpless in everyday situations because they cannot express themselves. This is why being able to speak German is so important. The freeze affects not only those who are in Germany on a temporary basis, but also those who have prospects of settling here and who are able, permitted and indeed willing to make a significant contribution. 

In your opinion, to what extent do the cuts jeopardise the integration process as a whole, particularly with regard to language skills and participation in society?

People often mistakenly assume that “voluntary” courses are being cancelled. But integration courses are still running, and remain open to everyone. What has been halted, however, is the issuing of authorisations for participation in integration courses by the BAMF. This has nothing to do with the prospects of obtaining permanent residency, as the example of EU citizens shows. There are simply far more people now who are having to pay for these courses themselves. This sounds less dramatic than it actually is.

Depending on the provider, a single module costs around 300 euros, and completing seven modules amounts to 2,100 euros. This affects people who are not in a position to save up this money through working over a reasonable period of time. In other words: the majority will not be able to afford an integration or orientation course – even if they want to.

For those impacted by this freeze, this effectively blocks access to formal, structured German language learning. This strikes me as counter-intuitive at a time when so many sectors are urgently seeking staff. And of course, it is always a positive thing when people are able to support themselves financially.

What long-term social and economic consequences do you anticipate if fewer people have access to integration courses? 

Everyone is talking about the shortage of skilled workers or the labour shortage more broadly. And it is often skilled workers – across all sectors – who take part in our integration courses. However, in order for these workers to find jobs in Germany, or for course participants to become skilled workers in the future, they have to learn German. And they must do so to a level higher than A2 or even B1. 

I say this quite deliberately, because the integration courses end with a “German test for immigrants” at B1 level, and it is this level of proficiency that enables people to continue learning in a structured way, whether in follow-up vocational language courses run by the BAMF or in a social or work-related context. I think it is a myth that people can learn a language “just like that on the side”. 

And to prevent people from taking short-term jobs in the low-wage sector and then ending back on social security benefits, it is all the more important that they build a solid foundation for integration by learning German. This is not least because of the financial consequences, which we all ultimately have to bear. 

Dr Marie Batzel holds a PhD in literature, law and economics and has been the head of the City of Cologne’s Department for Continuing Education/Adult Education Centre (VHS) since July 2024. Prior to this, she served as director of Neus Adult Education Centre (VHS) and head of the Alte Post cultural forum from 2018 onwards. Her previous roles include head of the Meerbusch Adult Education Centre (VHS) and director of the Programme for Cultural Education at Mönchengladbach Adult Education Centre (VHS).