Social associations: cuts to migration services would be fatal
Caritas in Berlin and Brandenburg is warning against cuts to the funding of so-called specialist migration services. If the planned cuts go ahead, migrants will no longer be able to receive support with everyday problems, said Peter Botzian, Caritas specialist for migration and integration, on Monday. This concerns services such as job or daycare advice and help with the recognition of their qualifications. "People are being left alone," he warned.
According to Botzian, the draft federal budget for 2024 would see cuts of around 30 percent to the various migration advice services. "We are already stretched pretty thin in Brandenburg. That would be a disaster." Although the federal government declares that immigration is needed in Germany, important pillars of migration work are being torn away at the same time. Only with support would skilled workers remain in Germany permanently. The migration services could cushion this to some extent, he said.
Botzian emphasized that the advice centres could contribute to social peace and exchange through their networks. They also ensure that parallel societies do not develop.
The proposed budget cuts to migration services could exacerbate conflicts among migrants due to the lack of support in dealing with everyday issues. These cuts might also encourage migration, as the lack of necessary assistance could lead individuals to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Source: www.dpa.com
