Sluggish integration

German course “truants” face little danger

Anyone who wants to stay in Austria must attend a German and values course - otherwise they face sanctions.(Bild: Schulter Christian)

Over 66,000 places were offered last year alone. Attendance is compulsory. But controls are difficult.

When discussing recipes for successful immigration and integration, language acquisition is always mentioned first and foremost. It goes without saying that suitable courses are therefore important.

In Austria, these are officially organized by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). And the supply and demand is constantly growing. Last year, 66,600 course places were offered throughout Austria. 38,700 of them in Vienna alone. In the first quarter of 2024, there were already 18,100 places - an increase of seven percent.

Rising demand
Actually a successful project. This is because recognized asylum seekers or persons entitled to subsidiary protection are theoretically obliged to attend these courses. After receiving a positive decision, they must register with the ÖIF and sign a corresponding integration declaration. This provides for mandatory participation in German and values courses.

There are no automated reports
The problem is that sanctions for non-compliance are usually only imposed on paper. These provide for fines or prison sentences and even a reduction in social benefits. However, there is no automated comparison of the data. If a federal state does not ask whether its asylum seekers are fulfilling their obligations, there is nothing to fear.