Institute for Employment Research (IAB): Syrian workers in Germany

This report  from the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) offers a comprehensive analysis of the labour market integration of Syrian refugees in Germany. It is based on data and surveys covering the period 2016 - 2022 and provides insights into the employment, industry distribution and long-term development of this population group.

Key messages of the publication:

• Demographic figures: at the end of 2023 approximately 972 000 Syrians lived in Germany, 712 000 were asylum seekers. The recognition rate for asylum applications was 99%. In addition, 163 000 Syrians have been naturalised since 2015.
• Labour market integration: the employment rate of Syrian asylum seekers increases with the length of their stay. 7 years after arrival the rate reached 61%, with a clear discrepancy between men (73%) and women (29%).
• Professional qualifications: 75% of those employed work in qualified jobs, although there are indications of a ‘de-skilling’ compared with the jobs they did before fleeing. A large proportion work in jobs with high demand, such as in healthcare, logistics and the social sector.
• System relevance: 62% of Syrians who are employed and subject to social insurance work in system-relevant jobs, compared with 48% of native German employees.

The publication not only analyses progress in labour market integration, but also highlights challenges such as:

1. The gender gap in employment: a particularly significant obstacle is the large discrepancy between the employment rate of men and women. While 73% of Syrian men are employed seven years after immigrating, this figure is only 29% for women. The reasons for this are:

• Family responsibilities: many Syrian women disproportionately take on care work, especially for young children, which limits their participation in the labour market.
• Lower investment in education and language: women make less use of education and integration opportunities than men.
• Difficulty transferring professional experience: professions commonly practiced by women in Syria, such as in education or childcare, are often regulated in Germany, which makes access difficult.

2. ‘De-qualification’: many Syrian refugees work in jobs that do not correspond to their qualification level. Before fleeing, 25% of the employed were employed in specialised or academic jobs; 7 years after arriving, this figure has fallen to just 15%. The reasons for this include:

• Lack of recognition of qualifications: Syrian qualifications are not always recognised in Germany.
• Insufficient language skills: these limit career opportunities.
• Differences in vocational systems: the German dual training system requires specific qualifications that are often not available in the Syrian education system.

3. Slow initial integration: refugees often have a more difficult start in the labour market compared to other migrant groups. The reasons for this are:

• Bureaucratic hurdles: long asylum procedures and limited job opportunities delay integration.
• Psychosocial stress: experiences of war, flight and uncertain prospects can make it even more difficult to find work.

These challenges make it clear that the integration of Syrian refugees requires time and targeted support measures. Promoting language skills, recognising qualifications and improving the balance between family and work could help to better exploit existing potential and contribute to social and economic participation in the long term.

The results of the publication are based on surveys such as the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees as well as statistical data from the Federal Employment Agency and the Federal Statistical Office.