Report: Germany plans to speed up asylum seeker work access

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt plans to speed up the integration of asylum seekers into the labour market with a new "immediate work plan," he told the Sunday edition of the tabloid Bild newspaper.

"People who come here should be able to work — and quickly," he said, adding that the best form of integration is into the workforce.

Under the plan, asylum seekers could be allowed to work after three months in Germany, even if their asylum process is not yet complete. Participation would be voluntary, with no obligation to take up employment.

A spokeswoman for Dobrindt said the new rules would not affect the process or the outcome of asylum applications, according to Bild.

Whether an asylum seeker works or not will have no impact on their case, which will continue independently. The plan explicitly excludes those whose applications have been rejected or who do not cooperate with the process, such as by concealing their identity or providing false information.

Asylum seekers who work will generally be able to keep their earnings, the spokeswoman said. Any income would be offset against social benefits received.

According to the Federal Employment Agency, permission to take up employment can currently be granted to asylum seekers and tolerated individuals if they have been in Germany legally for three months.

However, those required to stay in reception centres cannot take up employment, which can extend the waiting period to six months. Asylum seekers from so-called safe countries of origin must remain in reception centres throughout the process.