The report 'Waiting or working?' by Platform31 investigates how municipalities can contribute to the labour participation of asylum seekers and what is required for this.

The study , conducted at the request of the G40 Cities Network , is based on experiences in G40 municipalities and offers concrete recommendations for a more inclusive approach. In this article we summarize the most important points.

The current situation: much talent remains untapped

Although asylum seekers are allowed to work under certain conditions, the number of those who actually find a job remains limited. In 2023, more than 22,000 asylum applications were being processed, but only 2,016 work permits were granted. Due to the complexity of regulations and a lack of guidance, this group is often left on the sidelines.

The locations where asylum seekers are staying also play a role. Many asylum centres are remote from labour markets, making it difficult for employers and employees to find each other. This long period of inactivity has consequences: skills are lost, well-being decreases, and the step towards work or integration becomes greater.

What did the G40 municipalities investigate?

In recent years, pilots have been set up in various G40 municipalities to guide asylum seekers to work more quickly. For example, some municipalities match asylum seekers directly with employers via job hunters. Other municipalities combine work with language lessons and social activities to promote long-term integration. Still others use a broader approach, in which they pay attention to social participation and connection with the environment in addition to work.

What these projects have in common is that they show that labour participation gives asylum seekers a chance to fulfil their potential. In addition, it offers employers access to a motivated and often diverse workforce. However, many of these projects are small-scale and lack systematic evaluation, making it difficult to measure their long-term impact.

Success factors

The report identifies several essential elements that contribute to successful labor participation:

• Support and cooperation: Municipalities with strong networks and committed partners are more successful.
• Location: The physical distance between asylum seekers' centres and employers is a determining factor.
• Customisation: Tailoring support to the personal ambitions and skills of asylum seekers is essential.
• Good guidance: A mediator who knows the target group well increases the chance of sustainable placements.

Why labour participation is important

The benefits of labour participation are clear. For asylum seekers, the work offers self-esteem, structure and a greater chance of successful integration. For employers, it means access to motivated workers and diversity in the workplace. Society also benefits: labour participation reduces the pressure on facilities and increases social cohesion.

Recommendations

To improve the labour participation of asylum seekers, the report makes a number of concrete recommendations:

• Municipal focus: Make agreements with the COA about linking workplaces to places of residence. Invest in cooperation with local labor markets and social initiatives.
• National direction: Ensure better coordination between asylum, reception and integration systems. Relax regulations and simplify access to work.
• More effective support: Use mediators who understand the target group and offer social-psychological guidance.
• Knowledge sharing: Stimulate a learning approach by systematically collecting and sharing data and experiences from labor participation projects.
  
  

The report emphasises that labour participation is not only good for asylum seekers themselves, but also for employers and society as a whole. By working together and removing barriers, we can build a labour market in which everyone gets a chance.

Want to learn more about this topic? Read the full summary of the report here .