Saxony cancels integration projects: Refugee Council sounds the alarm!

Saxony cancels integration projects: Refugee Council sounds the alarm!

On November 11, 2025, integration policy in Saxony will come under fire. The Saxon Refugee Council is concerned about massive cuts in funding for integration projects. The facts speak for themselves: out of 91 applications submitted, only 21 were selected for funding. Instead of the hoped-for more than 6 million euros, only 3 million euros are available, which seriously endangers the financial basis of numerous projects that promote participation, empowerment and social cohesion. The [Migazin](https://www.migazin.de/2025/11/11/fluechtlingsrat-warnt-afd- Feiert-sachsen-streicht-integrationsprojekte-massiv/) reports that offers of advice and support for refugees and other marginalized groups in particular are being severely restricted.

The managing director of the Saxon Refugee Council, Angela Müller, warns of catastrophic consequences for refugees and society as a whole. According to her, the lack of offers leads to a lack of orientation and availability of information for refugees, skilled workers and volunteers. She also fears that committed specialists who are committed to this important work could be on the verge of extinction and that the valuable structures that have been built up over the years are in danger of collapsing.

Political backgrounds and reactions

A look at the political landscape shows that the AfD parliamentary group in Saxony is pleased about these cuts. She calls for a complete cut in funding for the so-called “asylum industry”. Behind the cuts is an investigative committee that the AfD pushed through in the last legislative period. This has put numerous clubs in a tense situation, particularly as many have had to make repayments due to accounting errors and some have even had to declare bankruptcy. Christian Schäfer-Hock from the Dresden Foreigners' Council also complains about the rejection of an important project on political education in schools.

The affected clubs are demanding that the state government transparently explain the reasons for these drastic cuts. The need for advice and support services is undisputed. Maike Limprecht from the Dresden Cultural Office emphasizes the central role of these services for the welfare state and raves about the positive effects of an active integration policy.

Future challenges

The current situation is perceived as alarming. In addition to the cancellation of funding, applications for the “Integrative Measures for 2026” directive are also severely affected. There is an urgent need for clarity and future-oriented solutions in order not only to ensure social cohesion, but also to actively promote it. The concerns about the marginalization of vulnerable groups, such as queer refugees, should not be underestimated, as Anna Weißig from RosaLinde Leipzig e.V. emphasizes. Without the necessary financial resources, the welfare state will face major challenges.

The future of integration work in Saxony is in jeopardy. It remains to be hoped that an open discussion and real solutions can be found before the structural damage becomes irreparable.