Merkel calls on the issue of immigrant integration in the context of the epidemic
In recent weeks, the new crown epidemic in Germany has rebounded severely. Therefore, at the 12th Immigration Integration Summit held online for the first time on the 19th local time, epidemic prevention and control became a key discussion topic for representatives from German political circles, business circles, media, sports associations, and immigrant groups. .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized at the press conference after the summit that the issue of immigration should not be ignored while fighting the epidemic. She pointed out that the new crown epidemic is a major test of the unity of the people, and immigration is also an important part of German society. Merkel said frankly that a series of anti-epidemic measures adopted by the government to curb the epidemic have had a significant impact on the study, work and life of immigrants in Germany. Not only has the training and education opportunities for immigrants reduced, but the economic downturn has also Many industries with immigrants are facing the risk of layoffs.
At the same time, Merkel said that in order for immigrants to strictly comply with the epidemic prevention regulations, they must first be able to understand the specific restrictions. She called on the government to translate relevant information into more languages. It is worth mentioning that Merkel’s weekly video podcast on the 17th was additionally equipped with Turkish and Arabic subtitles. She said in the video at the time that Germany was currently in an “extremely severe” stage of the epidemic and must further tighten social contact and travel restrictions.
At the second immigrant integration summit in 2007, the meeting formulated a “national action plan” as the program of the German immigrant integration policy. Since then, the annual summit focused on how to specifically implement the five stages of the plan, namely, initial integration, integration, common progress and social solidarity before immigration. This year’s summit focused on the results of the second and third phases, including the promotion of language and integration courses, the certification of overseas academic qualifications, and participation in economic and social activities.
