Germany: Already 50 Percent of Refugees from Ukraine Have Found Employment in the Local Labor Market

The latest data presented by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) sheds new light on the economic assimilation process of Ukrainian citizens in the Federal Republic of Germany. Nearly four years have passed since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and statistics show that 50% of refugees from the first wave of migration (those who arrived within the first six months of the war) are currently employed. Experts emphasize that this is a significantly better result than for migrants from other world regions, partly attributed to Ukrainians being covered by the Bürgergeld system. This support allows faster access to language courses and job placement services. The mass migration of Ukrainians to Germany after February 2022 is the largest refugee crisis in Europe since the end of World War II, surpassing in scale the 2015 migration crisis. Despite successes in overall statistics, researchers point to significant structural barriers. Women, who constitute a large part of the refugees, often work below their qualifications, mainly in the auxiliary services sector. Problems remain with traumatic war experiences affecting mental health and limited access to childcare. Simultaneously, political pressure is growing in Germany to reduce social assistance. Proposals are emerging to exclude newly arrived refugees from the benefits system for job seekers, which is met with opposition from some experts. They argue that the current support model has contributed to the high level of employment in this social group. „Many refugees struggle with psychological problems. This strongly affects when Ukrainian women enter the workforce.” — Yuliya Erner IAB analysis indicates that the pace of integration depends directly on legal and social stability. Those who received start-up support become financially independent faster. Therefore, the debate about social cuts may paradoxically slow down a process currently assessed as a success of German labor market policy in the face of a geopolitical crisis. Status of refugees from Ukraine after 3.5 years (working age): Employed: 50, Others (education and care): 25, Job seekers: 2550% — of first-wave refugees already have jobsEmphasizes integration successes and the importance of social protection in the professional adaptation process, and draws attention to war traumas. | Focuses on the high costs of maintaining the benefits system and the need to tighten criteria for granting aid to immigrants.