Germany agrees steps to boost migrant integration

BERLIN, July 11 (Reuters) Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet today agreed a batch of measures to improve the integration of Germany's immigrants, including offering more language lessons and making it easier for young people to train.

Merkel will formally unveil the ''national integration plan'' tomorrow at a meeting with ethnic minority groups, but several Turkish bodies plan to boycott the summit as they object to new immigration rules which are not part of the plan.

The 150 government measures, which will cost 750 million euros (1.03 billion dollars), will focus on equipping immigrants, especially young people, with the skills they need to get jobs.

The measures will not be formally enacted into law.

''The government has set guidelines for a successful integration policy,'' said Integration Commissioner Maria Boehmer in a statement.

''Part of that is dialogue and close cooperation between local and central government and migrant groups.'' Germany has about 15 million people with immigrant backgrounds and the second biggest Islamic population in western Europe after France. The majority are of Turkish descent and many tend to have low-paid jobs.

Although relations between most Germans and Turks are fairly relaxed compared with other European countries, the government wants to avoid economic and social marginalisation.

The government's plan, which critics say is largely symbolic, includes expanding courses to help immigrants settle in Germany to 900 hours from 600 hours.

The government has also pledged to increase subsidies for vocational language lessons and introduce mentoring schemes for young immigrants at school and in training.

Local and central government bodies will work with industry groups to make it easier for immigrants to get training and qualifications that will increase their chances of getting jobs.

The government will also help set up an Internet advice service for women trapped in forced marriages or suffering from domestic abuse and try to encourage young immigrants to take part in sport.

The immigration rules, passed by parliament last week and which Turkish groups have objected to, forces foreigners' spouses to show they can earn a living and have some knowledge of German. The new rules do not apply to German nationals bringing a foreign wife into the country.

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