Germany news: New rules aim to give asylum-seeker job access
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
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Germany’s Interior Minister has proposed new measures to accelerate the integration of asylum-seekers into the job market. The plan would allow asylum applicants to start working after just three months in Germany, regardless of whether their applications are still being processed. This initiative aims to promote social cohesion and reduce dependency on welfare by encouraging economic participation. Asylum-seekers who choose to work will generally keep their earnings, though any income earned will offset social benefits received. However, those who do not cooperate with authorities or have been rejected for asylum will be excluded from the program.
The move has gained support, with officials emphasizing that employment is the most effective way to integrate newcomers into society. The proposal aligns with broader efforts to address the challenges of migration and integration in Germany. However, critics argue that it could strain resources meant for processing asylum applications and may not fully account for the complexities faced by vulnerable individuals.
In another significant development, Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has called for swift implementation of a social media ban for children under 14. The motion, supported by the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), aims to address concerns about child safety and digital addiction. Under the proposed rules, platforms would face stricter scrutiny and potential fines if they fail to comply with age restrictions.
The SPD’s Tim Klüssendorf emphasized the urgency of enacting these measures to combat issues like online bullying and hate speech, which pose significant risks to young users. The ruling coalition is now under pressure to translate this political agreement into concrete legislation, ensuring that digital platforms adhere to stricter regulatory frameworks.
Meanwhile, business ties between Germany and China are facing growing challenges. German companies have reported increasing barriers in the Chinese market, including government intervention and unequal competition. Despite opportunities in sectors like renewable energy and infrastructure, concerns about market access and restrictions on critical raw materials such as rare earths have raised alarm
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026