This is intended to support the three cities in a special way. Salzgitter, Delmenhorst and Wilhelmshaven are characterized by an exceptionally high number of immigrant refugees.

A comprehensive package of measures is now to facilitate the integration of the refugees and support the economic and social development of the cities. "With this emergency aid, we are responding to the urgent request from the cities most affected to share in the burden of immigration and refugee integration," said Minister President Stephan Weil.

This will take place in three areas: through a new integration fund with an initial volume of EUR 20 million and through the intensive use of existing programs with state support. For Salzgitter, there are also plans to restrict further immigration through a so-called "negative" residency requirement.

A so-called location-adjusted negative residency requirement has been made possible by the federal legislator in order to prevent the influx of further recognized refugees into a city if this is necessary in the interests of integration.

This is an exceptional measure that initially appears justified in view of the special situation in Salzgitter. Wilhelmshaven and Delmenhorst have also expressed interest in a location-adapted residency requirement.

The negative residency requirement is implemented via a decree from the Ministry of the Interior. This instructs the immigration authorities in Lower Saxony to include an immigration restriction for Salzgitter as a secondary condition in every residence permit in future.

An integration fund totaling EUR 20 million will also be set up for 2017 and 2018. Of this, Salzgitter is expected to receive just under EUR 11 million, Wilhelmshaven around EUR 5 million and Delmenhorst a good EUR 4 million. According to the local authorities' plans to date, the money will primarily go towards the construction and expansion of daycare centers, labour market promotion and local integration projects.