Ukrainian refugees in Saxony: citizen's benefit or labor market?

Ukrainian refugees in Saxony: citizen's benefit or labor market?

The debate about the integration of Ukrainians into the German labor market and the distribution of citizens' money is gaining momentum. In September 2023, 1,253 Ukrainians registered in Saxony, and a further 1,096 had joined by October 27th. This number exceeds the previous arrivals in the first seven months of the year, which were 1,123. Across Germany, Ukrainians entering the country more than doubled from 7,834 in June to 18,579 in September Focus reported.

A considerable number of Ukrainians now live in Germany. According to current statistics, 953,203 Ukrainians of working age were registered in Germany in September. Of these, 352,000 are employed and unfortunately 672,510 receive citizen's benefit, including 196,000 children. CDU MPs, including Florian Oest, are raising concerns that some Ukrainians will receive citizen's benefits while remaining in Ukraine. Oest calls for measures to prevent abuse of the social system and suggests that aid be withdrawn after three months for Ukrainians who are able to work in order to promote their integration into the labor market.

Challenges for the labor market

However, integration into the labor market is often difficult. Reports about Ukrainian refugees who live under the current conditions in Germany provide insight into the situation. Alexandra Fedosha, who fled Ukraine three and a half years earlier, works as an office clerk. Her husband, a dentist by profession, is only allowed to assist in Germany because his diploma is not recognized. These difficulties are also reflected in the employment rate: in May 2025 it was 36.5% for Ukrainians living in Baden-Württemberg. Over two-thirds of working-age Ukrainians in this region are not available to the labor market, often due to school, training or caring responsibilities.

Politicians are called upon to do so, especially with regard to the planned new regulation to abolish citizen's money for Ukrainians, which is due to come into force on April 1, 2025. However, so far there has been little progress and the German Association of Cities is calling for more financial support from the federal government for the municipalities that have to cover the costs of the Ukrainian refugees. Loud daily news Refugees who have been coming to Germany since April 2025 will in future receive asylum benefits instead of citizens' benefits, with benefits for single people falling from 563 euros to 441 euros per month.

Helpfulness and challenges

Nevertheless, hope remains. Nataliia Brynenko, a Ukrainian refugee, has difficulty finding a paid job despite numerous applications and volunteer work. She would rather work than receive citizen's benefit and has not yet given up her hope of finding a job. Labor market expert Yulya Kosyakova notes that the amount of benefits has no direct influence on taking up work. This raises the question of how politics can actually set the course for successful integration.

Overall, the challenges for Ukrainians in Germany are complex. Integration into the labor market remains a central issue. Efficient socialization and support of local communities are urgently needed to meet the needs of these people while avoiding abuse of the system. Politicians are responsible for adapting the framework conditions accordingly and ensuring that the aid reaches where it is really needed.