From refugee academics to child poverty: The head of AMS reveals the facts
After ten years since the refugee wave of 2015/2016, the head of AMS (Public Employment Service) Johannes Kopf confirmed that Austria has made progress in integrating newcomers into the labor market, but still faces serious challenges. In an interview with the magazine profil, he emphasized that integration is costly but necessary, stating: "The German language course is cheaper than one month of minimum income." He explained that 57 percent of the refugees from that period are now employed, praising the Afghans who exceeded expectations despite their limited qualifications.
As for the Syrians, their integration is slower even though many of them have higher educational levels. Kopf cited Syrian doctors, explaining that the equivalency of degrees (Nostrifizierung) requires proficiency in German at the high school level before taking supplementary exams. He stated that this process takes an average of three years, but emphasized that patients need doctors who understand them well.
Kopf's biggest concerns relate to women's participation in the labor market. He pointed out that many Syrian and Afghan women withdraw from the labor market as soon as their husbands start working, and their employment rate resembles that of Austrian women in the 1960s and 1970s. He warned that this trend is extending to young girls who stay at home to help their mothers instead of looking for work.
Regarding cultural issues, Kopf acknowledged that the hijab may pose a barrier in some jobs that require direct interaction with clients, as some employers refuse to invite applicants who wear hijabs. However, he downplayed the extent of the problem, asserting that individual cases are exaggerated in the media.
Regarding the social welfare system, Kopf called for the establishment of a unified national model for the minimum income instead of the disparities between states. He criticized the fact that some large families receive social assistance that exceeds what an unskilled worker might earn, describing it as a "clear problem." However, he acknowledged the need to support families in combating child poverty, even if it requires paying larger amounts. He said, "Child poverty is terrible—it prevents children from developing or even having dreams and desires."
Kopf also addressed mistakes that occurred during the wave of refugees from Ukraine in 2022. While Ukrainian women in Upper Austria recorded the highest employment rates today, Vienna lagged behind. He explained that many Ukrainians believed they would return to their country within three months, which is why they avoided training or vocational education, slowing down their integration.
Kopf concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Austria needs to strengthen integration measures and implement a fairer reform of the social welfare system, otherwise the same mistakes will continue to be repeated.