Integration or bureaucracy? Rausch's view of Bautzen's Spreehotel!

Integration or bureaucracy? Rausch's view of Bautzen's Spreehotel!

Bautzen, in the heart of Saxony, is currently experiencing an exciting debate about integration, which is being triggered by the experiences of Peter-Kilian Rausch, former director and later manager of the Spreehotel. The facility was initially put into operation as a refugee home in 2015. Rausch started with high hopes a good ten years ago, but over the years he has seen numerous challenges that hinder integration.

“You didn’t just see the positive side,” said Rausch, who experienced both tragic and joyful moments in his field of activity. His initial optimism was quickly dampened by bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of integration strategies. He particularly criticizes the unequal treatment of refugees, which is reflected in the different recognition procedures. This is reinforced by the political situation in which many migrants have difficulty gaining a foothold due to complex bureaucratic hurdles.

Hurdles and opportunities for integration

Rausch points out an alarming trend: the need for workers in Germany is high, not only for skilled workers, but also in simpler professions. “There is a lot of public talk about integration, but in practice there is often a huge gap,” he says. Current studies also show that the level of integration remains challenging, especially for women who are third-country nationals. According to the EMN Germany Paper, around 3.2 million women from third countries lived in Germany in 2021, whose educational qualifications fluctuate greatly and who often have to struggle with an employment rate of only 44 percent.

A prominent obstacle is high requirements for the recognition of qualifications. There is also a lack of childcare options, which makes it difficult for women to take part in language and integration courses. These are practical challenges that often stand in the way of integration. Rausch would like to see mandatory German courses and more intensive integration measures to improve the chances of refugees.

The role of society

The urban tensions that Rausch experienced at the beginning of his term are also a central point in the discussion. The collaboration with a citizens' initiative was met with rejection, which provoked dialogue and acceptance in the city. Incidents such as shoplifting and property damage increased prejudices against Bautzen's new residents. Despite these challenges, Rausch also reports positive encounters: friendships formed with refugees and participation in births - a ray of hope in the midst of difficulties.

The shift in Rausch's career, to work at the Red Cross and in a gift shop, reflects the reality that many former refugees can, despite all the hurdles, find an active place in society. However, his vision for the future of integration remains skeptical, and he calls for a fundamentally different attitude towards refugees in Germany: “We should see people as an opportunity, not as a burden.” This attitude could help society not only break down hurdles, but also recognize potential.

In conclusion, it becomes clear that the integration of migrants in Germany requires much more than good intentions. It is not just a political question, but also a social challenge that must be tackled together. This is the only way to really exploit the opportunities that lie in diversity.

For more in-depth information on the basics and challenges of integration, read the articles Saxon, FAU and BAMF.