Annual Report

“So, where are you originally from?” Experiences of discrimination and phenotypic differences in Germany

Policy Brief | January 2018

The Policy Brief examines the subjectively perceived discrimination of migrants based on the extensive data contained in the SVR’s 2016 Integration Barometer. Forms and areas of discrimination are investigated, as is the link between discrimination and phenotypic differences. Analysis of the data reveals that people whose appearance marks them out as having a migration background feel they are discriminated against much more frequently than migrants who cannot be told apart from the native population. Differences between various groups of origin and members of different religions are also examined.

From lecture hall to landing a job. International students starting their careers in Germany

Study | December 2017

For years, Germany has been one of the most popular countries worldwide for studying abroad. In 2016, more than 250,000 international students were enrolled at a German university. From a political and business perspective, they are regarded as “ideal immigrants” for the German labour market, and a large proportion of them in fact wish to stay in Germany upon completing their studies. However, despite generous residence arrangements, these international students are often unable to make the transition into the labour market. The project Study & Work of the SVR Research Unit performed a – first-ever – longitudinal study of international students’ transition from university to the German labour market. The study shows which factors favour international students’ career entry and provides recommendations for how stakeholders from universities, business, the local level and the labour market could assist them. The study was funded by the Stifterverband.

How might integration succeed? Asylum seekers about their life situations and participation perspectives in Germany

Study | November 2017

In Germany, there is still a lack of reliable knowledge about the life situations of refugees, especially the type of knowledge that considers the views of refugees. However, such a perspective is important in order to improve the asylum system and tailor integration and participation measures. This is where this study comes in: In qualitative interviews, adult asylum seekers were interviewed who did not yet have a secure residence status in Germany. The study analyzes the refugees’ views of their place of residence, access to work and training and education opportunities, encounters and contact with the local population, as well as their subjective perception of the classification of asylum seekers according to their prospect to stay. The study also shows which topics refugees raised on their own. It issues recommendations for decision-makers from the German federal government, the federal states (Bundesländer) and local authorities, for non-governmental refugee workers as well as civil society initiatives and volunteer work, and for representatives from business. The study forms the conclusion of a research project that examined the perspectives of refugees of their life situations in Germany (Von der Aufnahme zu gesellschaftlicher Teilhabe: Die Perspektive der Flüchtlinge auf ihre Lebenslagen in Deutschland – From Arrival to Participation in Society: How Refugees View Their Lives in Germany), which was carried out jointly by the SVR Research Unit and the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

Paper Tigers or Milestones? A Comparison of the Integration Acts of the Bundesländer

Policy Brief | October 2017

Integration is a topic of hot debate at the federal level; yet it is the states and local authorities (Länder and Kommunen) that are responsible for many of its key aspects. Four of Germany’s 16 federal states have passed their own integration acts in recent years. The policy brief examines the acts passed by the states of Berlin (2010), North Rhine-Westphalia (2012), Baden-Württemberg (2015) and Bavaria (2016). The brief’s main conclusion: With their respective acts, the Bundesländer are underscoring the importance of integration policy, and setting the framework conditions for the latter. Integration acts at the state level can guide integration policy by creating or strengthening structures for coordination and cooperation. However, their ultimate impact will be determined not only by their specific legal arrangements but also by their implementation in practice. Ultimately, acts and laws can guarantee neither an appropriate integration policy nor improved opportunities for participation. The policy brief was funded by Stiftung Mercator.

Diversity in the Classroom. How Teachers Can Encourage Good Performance

Tackling the Diversity Challenge. Ethnic Diversity and Student Success in the German Higher Education System

Study | May 2017

German universities are still struggling with ethnic diversity. More than four out of ten international students drop out of German universities without completing a degree. The dropout rate of first- and second-generation migrants in Germany is also higher than average. An analysis of the Expert Council's Research Unit shows both groups struggle more often than their native counterparts with linguistic, technical and financial difficulties as well as social isolation. The study presents recommendations for universities, on how to better support students to reach their full potential.

Return Policy in Germany. Ways to Strengthen Financed Voluntary Departure

Study | March 2017

Even though voluntary departure of failed asylum seekers takes precedence over deportations, there are hardly any legally binding specifications to implement and fund this option. The weight given to financed voluntary return is very different depending on the Land. SVR’s Research Unit examined return policy practices in three Länder and derived the following recommendations: return counselling should be introduced throughout Germany and be embedded in law; there is a need for better coordination between the federal government and the Länder, stronger support structures as well as clear and transparent guidelines for enforcement by the authorities.

What’s Really Important: Insight into the Living Situation of Refugees

To The Point | January 2017

(Only available in German)

Real social contact to the population in Germany is important to refugees. They want an intact social life and stable personal relationships. This is one of the first findings of the study on the living situation of refugees which is being carried out in collaboration between the SVR Research Unit and the Robert Bosch Stiftung. Around 60 qualitative interviews are being conducted with refugees for the study. What makes the study unique is the open interview section where refugees have the opportunity at the beginning to freely talk about the issues that are important to them. The open interview section of one third of the interviews was evaluated for the information paper. The complete study will be published in November 2017.