- The demand for integration courses remains high
Integration Courses continue to be in high demand in Lower Saxony. Approximately 31,600 people started such courses last year, significantly more than in 2022 (around 25,300), according to data from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (Bamf). In 2023, around 1,600 integration courses started in Lower Saxony, also exceeding the 2022 figure (slightly over 1,400 courses).
Nationwide, more than 360,000 people began an integration course last year, compared to around 23,000 fewer in 2021.
In addition to language, hours are also provided for values or legal order.
It can take some time to find the right course, so the course start may often be delayed after the permission is granted, according to the Federal Office. A regulation stipulates that a course should usually start within six weeks after registration with the course provider.
Integration courses consist of 700 hours, with 600 hours dedicated to language and the remaining 100 hours covering topics such as values, legal order, or the societal system.
Minors must attend school.
The courses are compiled according to the respective language level and are open to all immigrants. Only adults attend these integration courses, as minors are subject to compulsory schooling in Germany, where there are numerous educational offers. The opening of integration courses for Ukrainian refugees was implemented by the Federal Office in mid-March 2022. These courses usually last seven to nine months, with special and part-time courses lasting longer.
Lower Saxony's Integration Minister Andreas Philippi recently advocated for migration and participation to be strengthened in rural areas. The SPD politician stated this on the occasion of the Integration Minister Conference, which Lower Saxony chaired for one year starting in July.
Social policy in Lower Saxony has prioritized integration courses, with the number of people starting these courses significantly increasing each year. This growth in enrollment demonstrates the importance of these courses as part of the region's broader social policy agenda.
Furthermore, the integration courses, playing a role in social policy, provide not only language lessons but also cover topics like values, legal order, and societal systems, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of German society.
