Social Policy in Rostock: Total Sanctions, Refugee Situation, and Migrant Integration in April 2026

Social Policy in Rostock: Recent Developments in April 2026

Social and housing policy are central topics in cities like Rostock, where social inequality, migration, and refugee movements shape public debate. In April 2026, several significant decisions and discussions took place in the Social Committee, which could influence the future of the city's social policy. The focus was on the abolition of total sanctions, the accommodation of refugees, and the integration of migrants.

Total Sanctions: A Motion for Abolition is Approved

A central topic of the Social Committee meeting on April 8, 2026, was the motion "No Total Sanctions in Rostock" (2026/AN/1454), submitted by the party Die Linke. Total sanctions—meaning the complete withdrawal of subsistence benefits under the Second Book of Social Security Code (SGB II)—can trigger social crises, including rent arrears, energy disconnections, debts, and even housing loss.

The motion called for benefit reductions under SGB II to be implemented in a constitutional and case-specific manner. The administration was tasked with submitting anonymized reports on benefit reductions and hardship cases to the city council every six months. The motion was approved with 4 yes votes, 7 no votes, and 0 abstentions, showing that it remained a politically contentious issue.

Although the Hanse Job Center Rostock did not impose any total sanctions in 2025, the debate on individual case assessments and proportionate implementation of benefit reductions remains relevant. The requirement for reports and the obligation to conduct individual case assessments are steps toward a more transparent and humane social policy.

Refugee Accommodation: Current Status and Challenges

The current refugee situation in Rostock was also discussed. According to the administration, as of April 7, 2026, a total of 1,380 people were accommodated in refugee shelters (GU/FU). Of these, 520 housing units were available, 508 of which were occupied. In 2026, 98 people had already been assigned housing, and 47 people were subject to deportation orders.

The city plans to publish a detailed monthly bulletin on refugee accommodation in the future to ensure transparency and oversight. This is particularly important in times of increasing refugee movements and limited resources, as it allows social policy to be adapted to the challenges at hand.

Integration of Migrants: Work of the Migrant Council

Another focal point was the work of the Migrant Council, which deals with issues such as segregation, language mediation, and advisory services. The Migrant Council works closely with the city's integration officer and utilizes the SprInt network to support migrants in Rostock.

During the Social Committee meeting, the Migrant Council presented its work and future plans, including the segregation report. The representatives emphasized that there are numerous inquiries and advisory needs, making a dense support system crucial. Integration is not only a task for the administration but also a societal responsibility.

Outlook: What Comes Next?

The discussions in April 2026 show that Rostock is actively engaging with social issues and taking into account both the rights of citizens and the limits of state responsibility. The abolition of total sanctions, the improvement of refugee accommodation, and the strengthening of the Migrant Council are steps toward a more inclusive and fair social policy.

In May 2026, the Social Committee will make further decisions, including the tendering of the position of head of the social office. Until the position is filled, the office will be represented by the department heads. This transitional phase could be crucial to ensuring the continuous implementation of social policy initiatives.