German cabinet passes refugee integration bill
Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet has approved a raft of new measures aimed at helping the integration of refugees into the German society amid the influx of asylum seekers to the European country.
The measures, which still need parliamentary approval, were finalized by the cabinet on Wednesday following a two-day meeting.
The integration bill seeks to improve refugees' access to the German job market and also foresees the creation of about 100,000 government-funded job opportunities.
At the same time, asylum seekers are required to participate in expanded orientation and language courses, otherwise they face benefit cuts.
"Learning the German language quickly, rapid integration in training, studies and the labor market, and an understanding of and compliance with the principles of living together in our society and compliance with our laws are essential for successful integration," the cabinet said in a statement after Wednesday’s meeting.
Speaking at a joint press conference with her deputy Sigmar Gabriel, Merkel welcomed the adoption of the integration bill, saying, “It is a milestone that the federal cabinet has passed a law on integration.”
Germany opened its borders to the refugees last summer with a welcoming mood, but it gradually shifted away from the policy.
As one of the most popular destinations for refugees, the Western European state registered about 1.1 million refugees between January and December 2015.
Europe is facing an unprecedented influx of refugees, most of whom are fleeing conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East, particularly Syria.
Many blame major European powers for the unprecedented exodus, saying their policies have led to a surge in terrorism and war in the violence-hit regions, forcing more people out of their homes.
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