Overview
- An internal BAMF letter confirms that no approvals will be issued "until further notice" this year for voluntary participation under Section 44(4) of the Residence Act.
- Asylum seekers, people with tolerated status, Ukrainians and EU citizens who previously joined on request are most affected unless they pay themselves or are obliged by other authorities, such as local foreigner offices.
- Government figures indicate about 314,300 potential participants in 2026, including roughly 129,500 who sought voluntary places now blocked by the freeze.
- Course providers report falling inquiries and warn of cancellations, planning uncertainty and financial losses; a BVIB-circulated letter was signed by around 50 local institutions including Volkshochschulen and private schools.
- SPD interior politician Hakan Demir urges the use of over €1 billion already approved for courses, while prior Bundesrechnungshof scrutiny highlighted steep cost growth as participant numbers reached 363,000 in both 2023 and 2024.