The full title of the new German Residence Act is ‘Act on the Residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory’. The Act thus not only aims at regulating  immigration to Germany, but also its scope is to promote the integration of foreigners living in Germany. For this purpose the Residence Act provides a number of instruments meant to ensure that immigrants will integrate, in particular language and integration courses.

The costs for such courses which comprise a 600-hour German course and a 30 hours orientation course, are expected to amount to around 260 million Euros per year. In the orientation course, basic knowledge on the German legal system, culture and history is taught.

 

According to section 44 (1) of the Residence Act, foreign nationals from non-EU countries are entitled to attend such integration courses if they live permanently in Germany for when they first receive a permanent settlement permit or a limited residence permit for the purpose of working, bringing their family into the country or for humanitarian purposes. This entitlement lasts for two years after arriving in Germany or for two years after being issued with the residence title. 

EU citizens are not automatically entitled. However, these can take part if there are still places available. Since, however, EU citizens may not be disadvantaged in regard to third-country nationals, it is not expected that any EU citizens would be turned away.

 

At the end of the course, participants have to take an examination. Those who pass this test, can, for example, be naturalized much more quickly. The certificate is sufficient to prove two general preconditions in order to get a permanent settlement permit: ‘adequate knowledge of the German language’ and ‘basic knowledge of the German legal and social systems’ according to section 9 (2) Nr 7, 8 of the Residence Act.

 

The Immigration Office may oblige immigrants to attend an integration course if they are unable to speak German at a basic level, if they receive social welfare benefits or if there is a ‘special integration need’ (section 44 a (1) Residence Act). The refusal to take part in an integration course may be taken into account when extending the residence permit. More over, social and unemployment benefits could be cut. In case of non-compliance with the obligation to attend, the prospective charge to cover costs may also be levied in advance in a single sum.

 

Otherwise, the costs for the integration course will be paid by the local authorities. However, depending on the financial situation of the immigrant, some may be required to contribute to the costs. The courses are free of charge for immigrants of German origin and their spouses.

Integration is a highly complex phenomenon. It is obvious that so-called integration courses will not be sufficient to promote the integration of foreigners in Germany. Integration is a social phenomenon that depends mainly on the willingness of immigrants to integrate and on the readiness of the host society to accept and welcome foreign individuals. However, knowledge of the language of the host country and basic knowledge of its legal and social life of may be the gateway for a better understanding of the new environment. And understanding is the very fist step of integration.