Ukrainian refugees: Integration in Austria wins on driving!

Ukrainian refugees: Integration in Austria wins on driving!

Vienna, Österreich - The situation of the Ukrainians living in Austria is characterized by increasing unemployment and growing integration efforts. At the end of 2024, the unemployment rate was among this group with alarming 16.9 percent, while the Austrian average is only 7.0 percent, as vienna.at . This is also made more difficult by numerous challenges such as the recognition of foreign degrees and language barriers. Despite these difficulties, the data of an ÖIF study show that 75 percent of Ukrainian displaced persons have a university degree and there is a high willingness to take up work-43.7 percent are already employed.

language integration in focus

Remarkable progress is recorded in the area of ​​language integration. According to current studies, 11.2 percent of Ukrainians speak German very well in Austria, which has a positive effect on their life satisfaction. According to the results, 64.5 percent of those who consider their language skills as high are satisfied with their lives in Austria. However, the long -term perspective remains unclear: only 3 percent have specifically intends to return to Ukraine, while 56 percent want to stay in Austria in the long term. This uncertainty is underlined by the increased need for clear residence regulations, since the temporary protection status expires in March 2026

A similar picture is emerging in Germany. Over 300,000 Ukrainians have used integration and language courses by mid-2023, which illustrates the importance of the German language for adequate participation in the labor market. It is decisive that men and women with higher language skills receive better opportunities for qualification-friendly employment, as described by the BPB Despite the opposite employment rate compared to other countries, the legal basis for promoting integration in Germany remains positive.