Germany

What changed

Starting 1 July 2026, Germany will offer 'Wegweiserkurse' (Orientation Courses) in 13 federal states. This expands the courses from 4 states. These courses give key information for daily life and cultural integration to people seeking asylum right after they arrive. The European Union's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) pays for part of the programme. The German federal government and the states also pay for part of it. The German Adult Education Association (Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e.V.) will prepare cultural mediators and check the quality of the whole programme across the country. They officially start this task in July 2026.

What changed

Germany changed the Opportunity Card points system. It gives more importance to German language skills and recent work experience. People with an Opportunity Card may work up to 20 hours per week while they look for a skilled job.

What changed

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) is getting ready for changes to the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) reform. Asylum procedures will change starting 12 June 2026. This includes training materials and talks explaining the reform and what it means.

What changed

On 12 June 2026, the Common European Asylum System (GEAS) reform started. This reform made the European asylum system the same across all countries. It changed what 'pending asylum procedures' means in Germany. This now includes cases where Germany tried to send an asylum applicant away under the Dublin procedure, but it failed. Germany then became responsible for the application. This is true even if Germany became responsible before 12 June 2026. The reform also made the definition of 'subsequent applications' wider. It now includes 'transnational' subsequent applications and 'further information'. It still includes the existing 'national' subsequent applications.

What changed

Germany has changed its asylum and residence laws. These changes are part of the new Common European Asylum System (GEAS). They start on 12 June 2026. Asylum applications now fall into three types: regular, accelerated, and asylum border procedures. Each type has its own rules. The regular process takes six months. The accelerated process takes a maximum of three months. The asylum border process takes a maximum of twelve weeks. The GEAS also creates a lasting system for sharing responsibility among countries in the European Union (EU). This system is called a 'fair share' solidarity mechanism. It also changes rules for 'Dublin procedures'. These changes will make it easier to transfer people and reduce people moving between EU countries. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has new jobs. These include giving official free legal advice. They also must check the age of minors in two steps. And they must record all asylum hearings with audio. Also, all people who enter the EU without permission will go through a mandatory check within days.

What changed

Germany's Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) announced full changes for the Migration Counseling for Adult Immigrants (MBE) programme. The MBE helps adult immigrants who are 28 years old or older. The programme's purpose is now clearer, and its rules are more precise. The changes specifically aim to define tasks more clearly. They also aim to improve links with other counselling programmes. This will help people move smoothly to local regular services, such as job centres. A new goal is to reach immigrants within their first three years in Germany. Personal talks will still be the main part of the service. This is true even with plans to use digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI).