Heil sees success in integrating refugees

More and more refugees from Ukraine are finding regular work in Germany or taking part in language and integration courses. Federal Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) told WELT AM SONNTAG. "It was an important show of solidarity to open our borders and hearts to the people who had to flee from Putin's terrible war. The challenges are great, but we are on the right track when it comes to integrating the refugees.”

According to the Federal Ministry of Labor (BMAS), around 454,000 Ukrainian nationals received social benefits in mid-July. Among them were around 293,000 employable beneficiaries. More than 90,000 Ukrainian nationals have started an integration course. When asked, a spokeswoman for the Federal Employment Agency (BA) said it was too early to take stock of integration on the labor market.

According to the BA, since the beginning of the war there have been 26,000 Ukrainians in employment subject to social security contributions. This can be attributed to refugee migration. However, the number refers to the period from February to May, it is now likely to be significantly higher.

"We are poking around in the fog because there is a lack of reliable data," criticizes Wido Geis-Thöne from the German Economic Institute (IW). In general, however, the integration has been successful so far. "There was hardly any overburdening of state institutions and authorities."

"Integration is definitely not possible in a flash," said Steffen Kampeter, General Manager of the Confederation of German Employers' Associations (BDA) at WELT AM SONNTAG. A major hurdle is the sluggish recognition of degrees.

A number of companies would offer refugees employment opportunities, said Achim Dercks, General Manager of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). However, language acquisition is usually a prerequisite. "But that doesn't happen overnight."