A recent assessment of the integration of refugees who arrived in Germany during the 2015 influx suggests a largely positive outcome, with potential for improvement in future policy. Herbert Brücker, a migration expert at the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) within the Federal Employment Agency, indicated that Germany, alongside Norway, is performing comparatively well in integrating this population – exceeding the results observed in countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy.
However, Brücker cautioned that outcomes could be further enhanced. He highlighted a key challenge arising from the distribution strategy employed, which disproportionately allocated refugees to economically disadvantaged regions already experiencing high unemployment.
Economist Panu Poutvaara, from the Ifo Institute and a member of the Expert Council for Integration and Migration, echoed these concerns. He criticized the use of the “Königssteiner Key” – a distribution formula allocating refugees to federal states – stating that it introduces a significant element of chance into the integration prospects of asylum seekers.
Despite these distributional challenges, Brücker reported a strong labor market performance among male refugees arriving in 2015. The employment rate for this cohort now surpasses the German average, with a substantial majority financially self-sufficient. Notably, over half are employed in skilled occupations or positions requiring higher qualifications.
Brücker emphasized that the actual skillset possessed by many refugees often exceeds what is reflected in formal qualifications. He explained that professional experience in their home countries – such as roles in commerce – often mirrored German standards, despite differing educational pathways. The absence of formal certifications does not necessarily equate to a lack of practical skills, a point he believes remains a common misconception.