Three years after arriving in Germany, more than half of Ukrainian refugees have entered the workforce, according to a new study released Tuesday by the Federal Institute for Population Research (BiB). The study, analyzing individuals who arrived between February and May 2022 and aged between 20 and 64, reveals an employment rate of 51% by early summer 2025 – a figure broken down to 50% for women and 57% for men.
While the integration into the German labor market initially progressed steadily, the study highlights a significant acceleration in employment transitions during the third year. This comparatively swift integration surpasses the experiences of refugees from other nations, prompting questions about the specific policies and support systems facilitating Ukrainian workers’ entry.
The report details a dramatic increase in employment rates, jumping from 16% in late summer 2022 to the current 51%, largely attributed to the completion of integration and language courses. Coupled with improving job satisfaction, the data suggests a positive trajectory for many Ukrainian refugees. However, the critical role of family reunification emphasizes a potential vulnerability. The stabilization of living situations for many initially unaccompanied women largely depends on the subsequent arrival of their partners, raising concerns about the sustainability of this progress if reunification processes are delayed or hindered.
The study also examined the integration of children and adolescents, revealing that almost half possess good to very good German language skills – a notable improvement over their parents’ proficiency. Despite this, a striking disparity emerges: despite their linguistic gains, many young refugees report feeling disconnected from the school system and experience heightened socio-emotional distress.
Researchers emphasize that participation in leisure activities and the development of friendships within Germany contributes significantly to a stronger sense of school affiliation. Study leader Andreas Ette notes that engagement in integration and language courses, alongside broader language support initiatives, correlates with reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation. This underscores the ongoing need for accessible and comprehensive programs designed to foster connection and belonging, particularly targeted towards mitigating the socio-emotional challenges faced by younger generations. The findings call for continued scrutiny of integration policies and a focus on addressing the underlying factors contributing to feelings of detachment, ensuring the long-term wellbeing and successful integration of Ukrainian refugees in Germany.