Labour Market Integration of Young Migrants in Germany: A Regional Perspective

Abstract

In Germany, the political debate regarding opening the doors for immigrants has received a lot of attention due to current skills shortages in some occupations. There is also ongoing discussion as to how the integration of migrants already living in Germany can be improved, with emphasis upon the crucial role played by labour market participation. With approximately 9% of the population from non-German backgrounds this debate concerns a substantial number of individuals. Of particular pertinence is the question of how best to address the disproportionately high rates of unemployment amongst non-Germans, e.g. in 2000 this rate was nearly twice as high, 25%, as the equivalent rate for Germans of 13% (Bundesagentur fur Arbeit 2005).