IAB Survey Overview
Results from a survey on employment rates of refugees accepted in Germany in 2015, released on August 25 by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) of the Federal Employment Agency. The survey is based on "IAB-BAMF-SOEP Refugee Survey" data from IAB, Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), and German Institute for Economic Research (DIW). 2015 marked a year when refugee applicants surged approximately 2.3 times from 202,834 in 2014 to 476,649.
2024 Employment Status
Overall Employment Rate: 2015 refugees' 2024 employment rate reached 64% (90% subject to social insurance obligations). Compared with Germany's overall employment rate of 70% (92% subject to social insurance obligations).
Improved Employment Rate: Including approximately 5% self-employed, the employment rate reaches about 70%, approaching Germany's overall employment rate of 76%. Labor market integration of refugees has progressed significantly over the 10-year period.
Serious Gender Disparities
Male Refugees: Employment rate of 76%, exceeding Germany's overall male rate (72%) with excellent results.
Female Refugees: Employment rate of 35%, only about half of Germany's overall female rate (69%), representing serious disparity.
Disparity Factors: (1) Concentration of childcare burdens, (2) Low educational levels, (3) Delayed start of German language learning support and employment assistance. Women account for 29% of working-age refugees.
Wage Level Challenges
The 2023 monthly income median for 2015 refugees engaged in full-time work was 2,675 euros. This corresponds to 70% of Germany's overall full-time worker average wage, barely 4 percentage points above the low-wage standard of 66%.
Background of Wage Disparities
According to IAB analysis, the younger average age and shallow work experience of refugees are primary factors. While employment rates have significantly improved over the 10-year integration process, eliminating wage disparities requires additional time and support. Special support systems for female refugees are urgently needed.