More than half of the one million Ukrainian refugees in Germany are considering staying there permanently – DW

More than one million Ukrainian refugees are currently in Germany, and over half of them are considering staying in the country permanently.

This information reported according to DW, citing an analysis by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).

“The high level of education and strong desire to integrate among Ukrainian refugees create opportunities for both sides, especially given Germany’s demographic changes and labor shortages,” an IAB expert stated.

However, the expert added that for these mutually beneficial opportunities to materialize, Berlin must do more to assist Ukrainians in finding jobs, learning the language, and getting their professional qualifications recognized.

Currently, only 22% of Ukrainian refugees aged 18–64 are employed. While 75% have professional or higher education, only 20% have successfully had their diplomas and qualifications officially recognized in Germany.

As a result, about 55% of employed Ukrainians work in jobs below their skill level, such as cleaning, food service, caregiving for people with disabilities, and other social work sectors.

Their average gross salary is €2,600, significantly lower than Germany’s national average of €4,479.

Previously, media reports indicated that many Ukrainian refugees have been moving from Poland to Germany due to better healthcare and social benefits.