All imams who work in Germany will in future have to prove they can speak the German language, under a draft law for religious leaders introduced by the government.
The bill, which passed cabinet on Wednesday, means that foreign preachers will only be granted work visas if they can demonstrate basic German. They would then need to show improvements in their language skills after a year in order to prolong their stay.
Although it applies to all religious preachers, the coalition treaty signed by the German government - which includes the rule - specifically refers to imams.
Interior Minister Horst Seehofer hailed it as “a vital contribution for successful integration in Germany.” The government justified the move by saying that imams have a central role to play as models of integration for other immigrants, who often turn to mosques for help when they first arrive. [The Telegraph] Read more
