Baerbock: Anti- refugee attitude impedes refugee integration
**Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) sees the integration of refugees in a tension field between struggling businesses and forces that reject immigration. "There is a mood and majorities in our country that say: 'They all have to be sent back.'", Baerbock said during a visit to the Chamber of Crafts in Potsdam. On the other hand, there are companies that need skilled workers and are actively seeking them abroad.
In a survey, more people coming from abroad should be allowed, Baerbock described a sentiment in the country that is against immigration. However, it is urgently needed. "When put together, that is an absolute contradiction." The challenge in politics is "that it is unfortunately made too simplistically black and white." More differentiation is needed.
Baerbock discussed with entrepreneurs at the Chamber of Crafts about their concerns. They complained about the long processes leading to work permits for their employees with refugee backgrounds. More support from politics is required, they demanded. Representatives of migrant organizations also see a massive need for structural improvements in the integration of refugees into the labor market.**
Baerbock acknowledged the existence of an anti-refugee sentiment in the country, stating that "they all have to be sent back" is a prevalent sentiment among some people. However, she emphasized that there are businesses in need of skilled workers, and more integration of refugees into the labor market is necessary. The integration process, Baerbock argued, is currently faced with contradictions due to the different views on refugees, calling for more differentiation in this area.
