Large inflow of asylum seekers
In response to the large inflow of asylum seekers in 2015 the government has
undertaken a major logistical effort to provide for basic needs and housing.
It is also accelerating administrative procedures to clarify asylum seekers’ status and is focussing
support on those who can be expected to stay. The asylum process takes 5 months on
average in Germany, less than in many countries, and the German government is reducing
the average duration further (BAMF, 2015).
In late 2014, Germany lowered barriers to labour
market entry for asylum seekers. The agency dealing with asylum applications and
integration issues has been linked more closely to the federal job agency and both are
increasing staff. The government has taken steps to take stock of immigrants’ skills,
expand training opportunities and improve access to the education system.
EU Forecast
euf:ba18a:47/nws-01