September 23rd 2026
SER advice: work must become the leading factor
Work must be given a central place in policy for newcomers. This means investing in language, education, work experience, and guidance from the very beginning. That is the core of the SER advisory report 'From Arrival to Future', in which Refugee Talent Hub participated.
It is urgently needed to improve the labor participation of newcomers. For newcomers, work is the path to independence, social contacts, and contributing to society. Moreover, newcomers are one of the few groups that can increase the labor supply in our structurally tight labor market. This also contributes to public support for asylum reception and the reduction of societal costs.
From first job to sustainable employment
The SER therefore advocates for a continuous pathway from arrival to sustainable, high-level employment. Four components are central to this:
- Quickly gain insight into talents, experience, and ambitions;
- Better combining work, language, education and civic integration;
- Specifically preparing newcomers for work;
- Continue investing in development and growth.
Employers also play an important role.
A good start also requires something from employers. They need clarity, knowledge, and guidance, especially when they have little experience hiring newcomers.
Consider, for example:
- Looking at skills and work experience, not just diplomas;
- Good guidance during the start;
- Room for language development in the workplace;
- Clear opportunities for training and career advancement.
In this way, a first job can become the start of further development: from 'a job' to 'a better job' and ultimately 'a career' .
Getting to work together
The SER sees opportunities primarily in sectors with staff shortages. Employers, sector organizations, and public parties can collaborate there on, for example, preparatory programs, work-study routes, and development paths.
The core of the advice is clear: make better use of the talent of newcomers and look beyond their first job . This requires collaboration between employers, municipalities, sectors, and other involved parties.