There's been a significant increase in employed Ukrainian refugees in Germany since 2023, with the figure reaching approximately 266,000 individuals.
It's seen that the job hunt for Ukrainian refugees residing in Germany is showing more fruitful results lately. Nearly 8,500 Ukrainian citizens secured employment, initiated an apprenticeship, or started self-employment in September 2024, as mentioned by the Federal Minister of Labor, Hubertus Heil (SPD). This is a substantial increase, doubling the number from September 2023. As Heil pointed out, "These figures clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the job boost."
Despite the challenging economic circumstances, around 266,000 out of the roughly 700,000 Ukrainian refugees of working age in Germany had jobs in July 2024. Out of this number, 213,000 were socially insured, while 53,000 held mini-jobs.
Andrea Nahles, the chairperson of the Federal Employment Agency, acknowledged that the labor market isn't currently very welcoming towards Ukrainians. However, she emphasized a positive trend. The primary hurdle remains the complexity associated with obtaining approval for recognizing professional qualifications in Germany.
The suggestion to shift Ukrainian refugees from unemployment benefits to the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act, proposed by the Union and FDP, was strongly opposed by Nahles. "Those eager to quickly employ people should avoid doing so," she stated. According to Nahles, unemployment benefits offer comprehensive aid for job placement, which is more challenging and only achievable with some delay under the regulations of the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act.
Besides the issues involving the approval process for professional qualifications, language skills currently pose a challenge in job placements. However, Nahles disclosed ongoing programs, such as "on-the-job" language learning programs, initiated after starting work.
Since the challenging circumstances, there has been a significant improvement in the employment situation for Ukrainian refugees in Germany. Since the proposal to shift Ukrainian refugees from unemployment benefits to the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act was opposed by Andrea Nahles.
