Increasing Employment Among Refugees, Yet Challenges persist
In the heart of Germany, Saxony-Anhalt is grappling with the challenges of integrating refugees into its labor market. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Halle-Dessau has reported mixed experiences from businesses regarding refugee employment, highlighting the need for action in language acquisition and smoother procedures [1].
One of the pressing issues is the language barrier, which many refugees face when trying to secure a foothold in the regular labor market. Without proficient German language skills, finding employment can be a daunting task. However, efforts are being made to address this issue, with the establishment of dedicated welcome centers for refugees, particularly Ukrainians, serving as central contact points for labor market access [1].
The employment landscape in Saxony-Anhalt is diverse, with refugees often finding work in manufacturing, retail, logistics, and temporary positions. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to be employed in care, hospitality, and education [1]. Yet, the fluctuating numbers of refugees pose a challenge, requiring continuous adaptation and support.
Saxony-Anhalt has seen a significant influx of Ukrainian refugees, with over 30,000 registered by late 2023. The employment rate among Ukrainians nearly doubled from 16% in mid-2022 to 30% by early 2025, a testament to the growing integration efforts and labor market participation [1].
Major German companies, such as Deutsche Post, Deutsche Bahn, and the hospitality sector, are advocating for easier access to foreign workers, recognising the need for low-skilled positions critical to operations [2]. This push addresses labor shortages but also underscores integration challenges like formal employment contracts and language proficiency.
Authorities in Saxony-Anhalt and elsewhere are implementing career guidance and counseling programs tailored to young refugees and school leavers who often lack formal qualifications. Initiatives like BRAFO, a joint Saxony-Anhalt and Federal Employment Agency project, encourage early career decision-making for secondary school students, facilitating a smooth transition into vocational training or employment [3].
In an effort to simplify procedures for refugee workers, several federal states are discussing the establishment of a central processing office. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce, however, suggests that centralization may not be necessary, but uniform procedures should be ensured [1].
Despite the challenges, the regional directorate maintains that integration is successful but takes time [1]. Collaboration between government welcome centers offering labor market access and support, businesses advocating pragmatic hiring policies, and targeted educational and vocational guidance programs for refugees are key to addressing the issues at hand.
References: [1] "WelcomeCenter Halle (Saale)" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.welcomecenter-halle.de/ [2] "Deutsche Hotel- und Gaststättenverband" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dhg.de/ [3] "BRAFO" (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.brafo.de/
- Despite the focus on employment in sectors like manufacturing, retail, and logistics, there is a growing need for action in language acquisition for refugees to bridge the language barrier and secure employment in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The diverse employment landscape in Saxony-Anhalt, where women are predominantly employed in care, hospitality, and education, has led authorities to implement career guidance and counseling programs for young refugees and school leavers, who often lack formal qualifications.
- As Major German companies advocate for easier access to foreign workers, politics plays a significant role in shaping the landscape of refugee employment by addressing labor shortages and integration challenges such as formal employment contracts and language proficiency.
