Integration of refugee employees: support from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF)

1. Who is considered a “refugee” eligible for support?

The following groups are eligible for support:

• Persons with recognised asylum status or refugee protection (Asylberechtigung or Flüchtlingsschutz) under § 25 para. 1, 2 AufenthG

• Persons with subsidiary protection under § 25 para. 2 alt. 2 AufenthG

• Persons with a tolerated stay (Geduldete) in certain cases (e.g. under § 60a AufenthG)

• Refugees from Ukraine with residence under § 24 AufenthG

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2. BAMF tools for employment and integration support

1. Berufsbezogene Deutschsprachförderung (DeuFöV)

• Job-related German language courses funded by BAMF

• Suitable before starting work or alongside employment

• Free of charge for the employee and free of charge for the employer

2. KOMPAS – dedicated support programme for businesses that employ refugees

• Provides additional funding for training and onboarding new staff

• Support in understanding legislation, culture and vocational qualification requirements

3. ESF-BAMF Programme

• Dual support: job-related language course + practical workplace training in your company

• Reduces the costs of integrating a refugee into the job

4. Company-based accompanying measures (Betriebliche Begleitmaßnahmen – via Jobcenter or Agentur für Arbeit)

• Financial support for in-company language training

• Funding for professional mentoring and job coaching

• Funding for partial qualifications and other modular credentials (e.g. Teilqualifikationen)

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How to get started as an employer

• Contact your local BAMF regional office (BAMF-Regionalstelle) or use the BAMF website

• Or contact the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) in your region – they operate integration and advisory services

• Use the “Make it in Germany” platform to look for qualified candidates with a refugee background

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Additional benefits for you as an employer

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The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete or non-final information may occur. Please treat the information provided as an initial point of reference and always contact the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date advice.