THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Germany is preparing to overhaul its asylum rules to give people seeking protection quicker access to the labour market, as part of broader migration reforms. The federal government announced plans in Berlin to enable asylum-seekers to start working and integrating into society sooner, even while their applications are being processed.
Under the new proposal, asylum-seekers who have been in Germany for three months could take up full‑time jobs or “mini‑jobs.” This is a major change from the current system, where bureaucratic rules often delay employment opportunities for six months or more.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the social benefits: “We want people who come here to be able to work — and fast,” he said, noting that employment should support participation in society without affecting asylum decisions.
However, certain groups would be excluded. These include people from “safe countries of origin,” individuals whose claims have already been rejected, and asylum-seekers under Dublin procedures, where another EU country is responsible for their case.
Supporters argue that faster access to work could help fill labour shortages in key German sectors while promoting quicker social inclusion. Critics, however, caution that the exclusions may prevent many asylum-seekers from benefiting fully.
The reforms are part of Germany’s implementation of the new Common European Asylum System (GEAS), expected to come into national law in the coming months. The system urges EU member states to streamline processes and reduce barriers for asylum seekers across Europe.
Sola Jolaoso
