Between Arrival and Settlement: Perspectives on the Labor Market Integration of Ukrainian Refugees

What does it mean to arrive in a new country—and what does it take to be able to stay?

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have fled to Germany since 2022—many hoping to return, others wishing to stay. But what determines their decision? What role do work, family, and integration play? And how do they successfully enter the German labor market?

As part of the 2025 Dresden Science Night, MIDEM hosted a discussion with experts, practitioners, and refugees. In addition to academic insights from current research projects and real-world examples, Ukrainians themselves shared their experiences and challenges.

Following a brief opening statement by Felix Hormig (MIDEM), Dr. Yuliya Byelikova, a Ukrainian sociologist and researcher at the Mercator Forum on Migration and Democracy (MIDEM), opened the event with a keynote address. Her presentation focused on the conditions under which Ukrainian refugees would like to remain in Germany or are considering returning to Ukraine.

Following this, Natalija Bock (Plattform Dresden e. V.) and Dr. Sebastian Ramisch-Paul (Hannah Arendt Institute) gave a joint presentation on their practical work with Ukrainian refugees in Dresden. Particular attention was paid to the liaison office of the Ukrainian Coordination Center, which serves as an interface between refugees and integration and labor market services. Using concrete case studies, they demonstrated how support and guidance can be provided in everyday life as well as in accessing the labor market.

In the subsequent discussion, Dr. Markus Reichel, a member of the Bundestag and entrepreneur, shared his perspective—including on the needs and expectations of small and medium-sized businesses, current political measures for labor market integration, the role of local governments, and the sociopolitical debate surrounding the universal basic income.

In addition to interested guests and students, Ukrainian refugees from the Dresden community also participated, actively contributing to the discussion and sharing their own experiences.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all participants and our partners, Plattform Dresden e. V. and the Hannah Arendt Institute!

Program

Welcome

Keynote Presentation
Dr. Yuliya Byelikova (MIDEM): “Return (im)mobility of Ukrainian refugees in Germany”

Case Study
Natalija Bock (Plattform Dresden e.V. Ukrainisches Haus) & Dr. Sebastian Ramisch-Paul (Hannah Arendt Institute):
“The Liaison Office of the Ukrainian Coordination Center as a Practical Example of the (Labor) Integration of Ukrainian Asylum Seekers in Dresden”

Panel Discussion

Natalija Bock

Dr. Yuliya Byelikova

Dr. Sebastian Ramisch-Paul

Dr. Markus Reichel, Member of the German Bundestag

Ukrainians from Dresden

Audience Discussion (Q&A)

Moderator: Felix Hormig (MIDEM)