Increasing number of refugees secure employment, yet challenges persist - Increasing Employment Among Refugees - Yet Challenges Persist
In the period between July 2024 and June 2025, the number of people from asylum countries who registered as unemployed increased by 11.3% compared to the previous 12-month period. As of July 2025, approximately 7,000 people from asylum countries were registered as unemployed [1].
The regional directorate acknowledges that integration is progressing, but stresses the need for time and continued efforts [1]. More than 1,500 refugees are currently participating in integration courses or occupation-related language promotion [1]. However, many refugees face difficulties in gaining a foothold in the first labor market without sufficient German language skills [1].
Language barriers remain a significant hurdle, as proficiency in German is essential for accessing many job opportunities and vocational training programs. Refugees often experience delays or lack of access to tailored language courses that match their professional skills or personal circumstances, particularly affecting women refugees [2].
Bureaucratic procedures also pose challenges. Lengthy and complex asylum and work permit processes can delay labor market entry and discourage participation [2]. For example, refugees from non-EU countries often face protracted waiting times for recognition of qualifications and employment authorization, whereas Ukrainians under temporary protection have quicker access to services but face uncertainty due to the temporary nature of their status [2].
Solutions being implemented or advocated include early and sustained investment in integration measures such as accelerated, targeted language training linked to occupational needs, to improve refugees’ employability and confidence [3]. Providing flexible, accessible language courses that consider family responsibilities is also important, especially for refugee women [2]. Simplifying and expediting bureaucratic procedures for work authorization and credential recognition can reduce delays [2][3].
The employment agency reports initial successes in placing refugees into employment, with refugees often finding work in manufacturing, retail, logistics, and temporary work, while women often work in care, hospitality, and education [4]. In Saxony-Anhalt, 7,775 refugees have moved into socially insured employment, training, or self-employment since the launch of Job Turbo in October 2023 [4].
The Industry and Commerce Chamber (IHK) suggests that uniform procedures are necessary to determine whether centralization is needed [5]. Integration can only succeed with a pragmatic and transparent approach, involving companies, public administration, and refugees [5]. Several federal states are discussing a central processing office to simplify procedures for refugee workers [1].
References: [1] Regional directorate statement [2] Report on challenges and solutions in refugee labor market integration [3] Policy recommendations for improving refugee labor market integration [4] Federal Employment Agency report [5] IHK statement on refugee labor market integration
Refugees from asylum countries are participating in various integration initiatives, yet they confront obstacles in gaining access to vocational training, specifically tailored language courses that align with their professional skills or personal circumstances. This issue tends to disproportionately affect women refugees.
Improvements in refugee labor market integration can be realized through focused policy changes such as accelerated, occupation-related language training, flexible language courses that accommodate family responsibilities, and simplified bureaucratic procedures for work authorization and credential recognition. These proposed solutions can help reduce delays and increase employability among refugees.
