Labour market integration of migrants and refugees in Germany : document analysis applying Social Positioning Theory

Abstract

In today's interconnected world, migration is a natural phenomenon, with people either relo-cating within their home state or moving abroad. In 2020, an estimated 281 million individuals changed their place of residence, marking a significant increase compared to 1990 and 1970 (International Organization for Migration, 2023). Migration is not always a matter of choice, often driven by political, social, or environmental factors, leading to more than 108 million people being forcibly displaced, with nearly half seeking refuge in other states (UNHCR, 2023). In many countries, refugees and migrants do have only restricted access to education and the host country’s labour market. This creates a barrier to integration, poses a risk to the development of human capital, and leads to a substantial loss of potential. Furthermore, the additional workforce is needed in many countries to counteract declining workforce due to aging populations and falling birth rates. Recognising the advantages of fostering better inte-gration and economic growth, countries like Germany have sought to expand labour market access for migrants and refugees. In 2018, the government outlined its intentions in an Eck-punktepapier [Intention Paper], followed by the parliament-ratified version of the Eckpunkte-papier 2019, both of which culminated in the "Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz" [Skilled Im-migration Act] in 2019. The law underwent further revisions in 2023, as reflected in another Eckpunktepapier of the same year. This thesis analyses these three Intentions Papers applies qualitative thematic analysis, complemented by quantitative language analysis. It aims to iden-tify the stances of the government represented in the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz within the framework of Social Positioning Theory and assess the policies’ effectiveness in facilitat-ing labour market access and societal integration.