Office and tasks

The main task of the integration representative is to work out the basic policy issues of Berlin’s senate with regard to foreigners and integration and to agree them with other administrative departments in the state of Berlin. Another key task is to analyse and work out measures to break down barriers to integration in the legal, administrative and social sector. This especially involves opening up and gearing the administrative department to intercultural issues and eradicating discrimination. In all task areas the integration representative works closely with municipal migrant representatives and agencies, associations, organisations, initiatives and diplomatic representations. The office of the integration representative is the branch office of the State Advisory Board for Integration and Migration Issues, which was founded in 2003. (http://www.berlin.de/lb/intmig/beirat/index.html, in German only )

The integration representative works closely with the Berlin State Office for Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination (Anti-Discrimination Office). ( http://www.berlin.de/lb/ads/, in German only )

The remit of the office also includes responsibility for basic issues relating to the social welfare and social integration of ethnic Germans returning to Germany. This group of immigrants currently has a substantial number of integration problems to contend with.

The senate of Berlin promotes the legal and social equality of immigrant groups with a large number of integration-specific measures. The integration representative promotes migrant organisations whose action radius covers the whole of Berlin, with the aim of increasing the participation of migrants. This includes the promotion of state-wide mergers for migrant work and associations, including the granting of financial aid.

The office of the integration and migration representative is also a direct point of contact for people seeking advice on issues relating to the policy on integration and foreigners and legal and social issues. The advice service serves to directly sort out problems in borderline cases or provide assistance in problem and emergency situations. Particularly difficult isolated cases can be brought before the Berlin Hardship Case Commission, which the representative belongs to.

Consultation hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs: 9.00 am ­ 1.00 pm
Thurs: 3.00 pm ­ 6.00 pm
Wed, Fri: closed
Tel. no. for consultations: (030) 9017-23 72

The representative for integration and migration publicly pushes for integration, openness and understanding and provides German and non-German Berlin residents with important information. One of the aims of the PR work is to present the basics of migration policy and decisions relating to it and inform people on fundamental legal principles. Events and PR campaigns are designed to convey how natural it is for German and non-German Berlin residents to cohabit, pick up on current themes and cases of conflict and offer a discussion forum for integration issues. This includes the series of events called “Under Construction – Berlin the Immigrant City“. At the office groups of visitors have the chance to find out about current issues relating to integration policy and the situation of Berlin migrant communities.