Overview
- IAB researchers report a 64% employment rate for people who arrived as protection seekers in 2015, rising to about 70% when self-employment is included, roughly matching the national level.
- Employment remains highly uneven by gender, with 76% of men working versus 35% of women, far below the 69% average for all women in Germany.
- SPD vice-chair Serpil Midyatli praises civic solidarity since 2015 and urges expanded childcare to boost labor-market participation among refugee women.
- The Merz government has shifted to tighter migration controls, with Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt ordering stronger border checks and returns and declaring a 'Migrationswende.'
- Green leader Felix Banaszak criticizes the current course, citing border controls, limits on family reunification and citizenship setbacks, while commentary highlights past missteps, local strains and the need for schools, childcare and housing capacity.