Adaptation and Intergration Strategies of Refegee from Ukraine in Germany

A quantitative-qualitative study conducted in May-June 2022 makes it possible to reconstruct the socio-demographic characteristics of the Ukrainian refugees in Germany, to examine their experience, expectations and intentions in order to assess their potential on the German labor market and the possible burden on the German social system. The central themes of the study are the plans and intentions of Ukrainian refugees with regard to their further stay in Germany and their integration into the German labor market. The study not only makes it possible to estimate how many Ukrainians will stay in Germany, return to Ukraine or move to another country, how many of them are willing to work in a profession or do unskilled work, but also gives an insight into the motives behind those intentions, as well as factors that can change those intentions.

The combination of quantitative and qualitative research tools makes it possible to identify two dominant behavioral strategies in the short-term perspective – “Stay in Germany” and “Return to Ukraine”, as well as to characterize six models of adaptation affecting behavior of refugees from Ukraine both in the short-term and also in the long term: (1) a passive waiting to return to Ukraine, (2) a motivated expectation of returning to Ukraine, (3) "searching for oneself and one's place", (4) "at the crossroads", ( 5) "Ready to give it a try in Germany" and (6) those convinced of willing to stay.

Based on the results of the study, political recommendations for action were developed on the possibilities of continued residence for refugees from Ukraine in Germany, their integration into the German labor market and the education of Ukrainian children.