Germany became concerned about the high percentage of parasitism among Ukrainian refugees

Berlin does not understand the reason for unemployment among visitors from Eastern Europe

The search for work for Ukrainian refugees in a period of turbulence, launched by German Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Hubertus Heil, has not yet brought any results. More than 25 percent of migrants from Ukraine cannot find a place to earn money.

In Germany, the media raise the question of why most Ukrainian refugees do not work. The fact is that the country’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hubertus Heil, voiced the conditions of turbulence in Germany, when many employers must rebuild and adapt to the current situation. But against the background of the artificially created period, according to experts, Ukrainian refugees are still not trying to find work – according to data, only 25 percent have found something to earn a living.

Other European Union countries are provided for comparison. For example, in Denmark, 78 percent of Ukrainian refugees found work. 66 percent work in the Czech Republic and Poland. And in Sweden, Great Britain and the Netherlands there are also significantly more Ukrainian refugees working than in the Federal Republic of Germany. These statistics were cited by Dietrich Thranhardt, a political scientist from the Westphalian Wilhelm University.

In fact, the legal requirements are similar in all EU countries: Ukrainian refugees receive temporary asylum status, are integrated into the health and social care systems and can start working immediately. However, in financial terms Germany differs greatly compared to other EU members.

The benefit received by adult Ukrainians is paid in the amount of 563 euros, for children – from 357 to 471 euros, depending on age. In addition, housing and utility costs are paid. In other countries, monetary support is less – in the Czech Republic, refugees from Ukraine receive 200 euros of emergency assistance, and after five months – 130 euros. Health insurance and group housing costs are only covered for a certain period of time. And in Poland there is no social assistance, except for a one-time payment of 66 euros and 184 euros. After four months, collective accommodation must be paid for half independently. Thus, the Polish State Economic Institute expects tax revenues from Ukrainian refugees to exceed expenses.

Professor Dietrich Trahnhardt criticizes the German system, which prevents Ukrainian scientists from working in higher education positions such as doctors or pharmacists.

According to the Institute for Labor Market Research (IAB), about 72 percent of Ukrainian refugees in Germany have a university degree.

The political scientist points to the lengthy process of qualification recognition before Ukrainians are allowed to work. The situation is different in Italy and Slovakia: refugees there are allowed to work in the healthcare sector from March 2022. At the same time, according to Trichardt, refugees often lack language skills.

OECD expert Thomas Liebig hopes the employment situation “will improve as a result of the language courses in a few months.”