10 years of 'Integration Act' for refugees
Germany is marking ten years since its Integration Act (Integrationsgesetz) came into force, a landmark law introduced after the 2015 refugee crisis to improve refugees’ access to work, language courses and wider participation in German society.
The law, which took effect on August 6, 2016, was designed around a combination of support and obligations. Refugees were offered greater opportunities to learn German and enter the labor market, while also facing stricter expectations regarding their participation in integration measures and their place of residence.
One of the major changes was the suspension of the Vorrangprüfung (priority check) for many refugees seeking employment. This rule had previously required employers to give preference to German and EU workers. The suspension made it easier for refugees to enter the labor market and was later abolished completely in 2019.
The law also introduced a Wohnsitzregelung (residence requirement). Recognized refugees could be required to remain in the federal state to which they had been assigned for up to three years. The measure was intended to prevent large numbers of refugees from concentrating in a small number of cities and to make integration easier at the local level.
Another important change involved permanent residency. Before the law, some refugees could qualify for permanent residence after three years. The Integration Act generally extended this period to five years and introduced additional requirements, including basic German language skills and a largely secure livelihood. However, refugees demonstrating “outstanding integration” could still qualify after three years under certain conditions.
The legislation also strengthened support for vocational training and employment. The 3+2-Regelung (3+2 rule) provided greater security for some rejected asylum seekers who began vocational training, allowing them to complete their training and, under certain circumstances, remain in Germany for another two years to work.
Ten years on, however, Germany’s integration system continues to face major challenges. Language barriers, difficulties recognizing foreign qualifications, limited access to courses and the sheer number of new arrivals have made successful integration more complicated than policymakers initially hoped.
The Integration Act changed Germany’s approach by linking assistance with clear responsibilities. While it opened new routes into education and employment for many refugees, the continuing difficulties show that successful integration depends not only on legislation, but also on sufficient housing, language training, education and access to the labor market.