The Merz government in Germany has reached an agreement on significant asylum policy reforms, primarily focusing on accelerating access to the labor market for asylum seekers. Under the new regulations, individuals seeking protection will be permitted to work after just three months in Germany, even if their asylum process is not yet finalized. This reform, driven by Alexander Dobrindt and integrated with the implementation of the EU's Common European Asylum System (GEAS), aims to facilitate integration and address labor shortages. Previously, a de facto six-month work ban was in place, with some individuals in initial reception centers facing up to nine months without employment. The government emphasizes that employment will not influence the outcome of asylum procedures, though certain groups, such as rejected asylum seekers or those not cooperating with the process, will not benefit. The SPD supports the reform, highlighting its importance for integration and language acquisition, while the Greens have expressed concerns about potential exclusions and the restriction of integration courses.