The Luxembourg government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the professional integration of asylum seekers and refugees, following a parliamentary question tabled by MPs Nathalie Morgenthaler and Marc Spautz of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV).
The MPs raised concerns about the persistent barriers faced by international protection applicants (IPAs) and recognised refugees, or beneficiaries of international protection (BIPs) when seeking employment in the Grand Duchy. They argued that holding a job is one of the most effective ways for newcomers to integrate into Luxembourgish society – a view the Minister of Labour, Georges Mischo, said the government “naturally shares”.
Although asylum seekers can work under certain conditions, many continue to face practical and structural hurdles in accessing employment. This, the MPs noted, undermines broader integration efforts and contributes to long-term social exclusion.
In his written reply dated 31 July, Labour Minister Mischo outlined a multi-pronged strategy aimed at improving the employability of both IPAs and BIPs. Central to this approach are targeted training schemes, language instruction, and job-matching initiatives run through Luxembourg’s employment agency ADEM.
Mischo confirmed that pilot projects are already underway, with vocational training for roles such as cleaning agent and kitchen assistant taking place at the CNFPC training centres in Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck. These programmes pair technical skills with French-language tuition to help participants prepare for the workplace.
After completing the courses, participants are referred directly to employers, either through dedicated job days or via one-on-one support from ADEM.
Additional initiatives tailored to refugees and beneficiaries of temporary protection include:
Participants also have access to broader training in languages, digital skills, and sector-specific competencies.
The Minister also highlighted the work of an interministerial task force coordinated by the Ministry of Family Affairs, which brings together stakeholders from education, immigration, labour, and social services.
This group is currently addressing key priorities including:
In response to the MPs’ suggestion of creating dedicated job days for asylum seekers and refugees, the Minister pointed to a recent pilot in the Horesca sector. During the latest edition of the event, a morning slot was reserved exclusively for asylum applicants, giving them the chance to meet employers open to inclusive hiring practices.
Prior to the event, participants attended a preparatory session outlining what to expect and how to present themselves to potential employers.
According to Mischo, this targeted format created “a favourable environment for direct and meaningful exchanges”, and further events of this kind are being considered in coordination with the Ministry of Family Affairs and ADEM.
He also noted that any BIP registered with ADEM remains eligible to attend regular job days and employment events.
The exchange follows ADEM’s 2024 Jobday focused on disability and external professional reclassification, which brought together over 1,500 participants and around 30 companiesThe event aimed to connect people with disabilities to potential employers – part of what Mischo described as a broader inclusive employment strategy.
With Luxembourg’s population continuing to diversify, the professional integration of newcomers is increasingly recognised as a key challenge for labour and social policy. While obstacles remain, the government insists that employment support for refugees and asylum seekers will remain a policy priority.
See also:
Luxembourg seeks to fast-track refugees into labour market amid staff shortages
