Integrating Refugees into Training and Employment

Staffing positions for work and training in companies is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, it is important for companies to consider refugees as candidates in an uncomplicated manner during the recruitment process. Lawmakers have already introduced some facilitation measures (such as residence permits for training, permanent employment toleration, and the opportunity residence law). Still, inconsistent administrative practices remain an obstacle from the perspective of companies to integrating refugees into the labour market. Based on the experiences of local IHKs and their own projects, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry has suggestions for making the framework conditions more training- and employment-friendly: Improving the accessibility of immigration authorities, setting up "Key Account Management" / clearing houses for companies (similar to skilled worker immigration) Removing employment barriers, especially residence requirements and prohibitions Improved framework conditions: unbureaucratic access to language promotion offers, sufficienthousing, and childcare. Secure long-term perspectives for refugees in training and gainful employment. Support for the recognition of qualifications from the country of origin and additional training in Germany Uniform EU regulations for refugees' access to the labour market.

Staffing positions for work and training in companies is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, it is important for companies to consider refugees as candidates in an uncomplicated manner during the recruitment process. Lawmakers have already introduced some facilitation measures (such as residence permits for training, permanent employment toleration, and the opportunity residence law). Still, inconsistent administrative practices remain an obstacle from the perspective of companies to integrating refugees into the labour market. Based on the experiences of local IHKs and their own projects, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry has suggestions for making the framework conditions more training- and employment-friendly:

  • Improving the accessibility of immigration authorities, setting up "Key Account Management" / clearing houses for companies (similar to skilled worker immigration)
  • Removing employment barriers, especially residence requirements and prohibitions
  • Improved framework conditions: unbureaucratic access to language promotion offers, sufficienthousing, and childcare.
  • Secure long-term perspectives for refugees in training and gainful employment.
  • Support for the recognition of qualifications from the country of origin and additional training in Germany
  • Uniform EU regulations for refugees' access to the labour market.