The Federal Employment Agency (BA) reports that in 2024, only 48 percent of migrants were employed. Among native Germans, by contrast, 79 percent of the working-age population held jobs. The agency believes that despite demand for labor, bureaucracy and systemic barriers hinder the professional integration of migrants, particularly refugees.

Germany needs workers -- especially in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and IT. In 2024, there were 1.34 million vacancies, and forecasts point to a shortage of 7 million workers by 2035. Migrants could fill this gap, but numerous obstacles block their access to the labor market. The process of recognizing foreign qualifications is time-consuming and complicated. For example, in 2023 only 27 percent of applications for the recognition of qualifications from third-country migrants resulted in full recognition. Lengthy asylum procedures, which sometimes last more than a year, delay the issuance of work permits. Limited access to language courses is another problem for the labor market.

The situation is particularly acute among nationals from the Middle East and Central Asia. Among refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, the employment rate is only 35 percent, despite the fact that many of them arrived in 2015. The federal agency reports that the low labor market participation of women, at 27 percent, is a result of family responsibilities and a lack of childcare.

Among immigrants from India and Ukraine, the results are better. The working-age Ukrainian refugee population totals approximately 800,000, predominantly women and children. Nearly 300,000 are employed, including 250,000 in jobs covered by social insurance. The employment rate rose to 38% in 2025 (from 25% in 2024), thanks to simplified procedures. Women predominate in healthcare and services, men in logistics. Unemployment affects 211,000 individuals, with a downward trend.

BA experts are calling for the simplification of qualification recognition procedures, an increase in language course availability, and improved access to childcare. Labor Minister Hubertus Heil (SPD) has announced reforms, including digital platforms for worker matching. Employer organizations, however, criticize the lack of progress in reducing bureaucracy.