Funding Programs
To provide immigrants with individualized, needs-based support as they enter employment subject to social insurance contributions, the federal and state governments fund various support programs. These programs are implemented by vocational training and career counseling agencies, as well as by migrant organizations.
Below, we present some important support programs and projects in Saxony-Anhalt. In addition, there may be other regional offerings.
WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt
The WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt is the central contact and counseling center for incoming and returning skilled workers, as well as for companies in Saxony-Anhalt. It provides information and advice on all aspects of living and working in Saxony-Anhalt. In addition, the WelcomeCenter supports companies and individuals—whether working full-time or volunteering—who are committed to the professional integration of immigrant skilled workers through training, exchange, and networking opportunities.
Here you will find ways to get in touch.
The WelcomeCenter Saxony-Anhalt is part of the state initiative “Fachkraft im Fokus.”
State Initiative “Fachkraft im Fokus”
The State Initiative “Fachkraft im Fokus” is the primary point of contact for securing skilled workers in Saxony-Anhalt. The team provides information and advice to skilled workers and companies in Saxony-Anhalt on continuing education and funding opportunities, employer attractiveness, human resources development, and much more. A special service for companies and skilled workers is the job and skilled worker exchange.
The “Fachkraft im Fokus” State Initiative is implemented on behalf of the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, and Equality of the State of Saxony-Anhalt and is funded by the European Social Fund and the State of Saxony-Anhalt.
IQ Network Saxony-Anhalt
Would you like to work in Saxony-Anhalt and hold a foreign educational or vocational qualification?
The IQ Network Saxony-Anhalt supports you in having your credentials recognized, finding suitable qualifications, and securing employment that matches your qualifications.
The IQ – Integration through Qualification funding program is supported by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) and is administered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Implementation partners include the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth and the Federal Employment Agency.
Recognition
Our counseling centers provide information on the recognition process, assist with the application, and guide you through the next steps. If additional qualifications are still needed for full recognition, we advise you on suitable continuing education opportunities.
For immigrant professionals, we offer career qualification counseling in Northern and Southern Saxony-Anhalt.
Funding Information:
The northern region is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry.
The southern region is part of the IQ Network.
Vocational Qualification Counseling
We help you get your professional qualification, earned abroad, recognized in Germany. For all professions that require full qualification, we show you the path to the right continuing education and guide you step by step until you receive full recognition. You can find us in the northern and southern parts of the state.
Healthcare Professions and Academic Healthcare Professions
We support you on your path to obtaining a professional license, medical license, or permission to use your professional title—even while your application is still being processed.
Community-Based Entry into the Labor Market – CombA
CombA supports migrant job seekers in finding employment that matches their qualifications. The program is aimed at migrant organizations and communities and offers on-site counseling, digital events, webinars, and referrals to suitable IQ programs and network partners.
Saxony-Anhalt Immigration Information Center
The Specialized Information Center for Immigration provides information on employment opportunities, residence permits, labor law, and the recognition of foreign degrees and qualifications. We also assist with finding the right contacts and with the application process.
Services for Businesses and Institutions
We support companies and institutions in recruiting and integrating international professionals. Our focus is on fostering a respectful corporate culture, effective onboarding, and modern integration management.
This helps you strengthen motivation, employee retention, and the long-term sustainability of your organization.
Services for Vocational Schools
We support vocational schools in preparing students for a diverse working world. Our workshops and training programs promote social skills, democratic values, and a respectful approach to diversity.
MeCoSa
MeCoSa MINT Career is a statewide mentoring and coaching program run by the Coordination Office for Gender Research and Equal Opportunity (KGC) that aims to advance the careers of women in STEM fields. It supports female students and graduates in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology (STEM) as they enter the workforce in Saxony-Anhalt. The program places a special focus on integrating women with international backgrounds into the regional economy. Saxony-Anhalt offers excellent career opportunities in STEM fields, and through close collaboration with local companies, participants are provided with optimal networking opportunities and prepared for their professional futures.
The program is funded by the European Social Fund Plus and the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, and Equality of the State of Saxony-Anhalt. It runs from January 1, 2024, through the end of 2026.
ASAMi – Contact and Service Center for the Labor Market Integration of Migrant Women in Saxony-Anhalt
ASAMi advises and supports immigrant women in their integration into the labor market. In addition, the project promotes statewide networking among employment service providers, educational institutions, and potential employers—both with each other and with the project participants. The project is implemented by the Caritas Association for the Diocese of Magdeburg e. V. and Minor Wissenschaft Gesellschaft mbH as part of the “MY TURN – Women with Migration Experience Get a Head Start” program.
LIMA – Long-Term Integration of Migrant Women into the Labor Market
Through the LIMA project at the Halle Youth Workshop, migrant women can receive individualized counseling that takes into account their personal backgrounds and circumstances, professional qualifications, and prospects in the labor market. In addition to counseling, migrant women can also participate in workshops on computer skills, job application training, project development, or empowerment.
“Fair Integration” Counseling Centers
At the latest when the first employment contract arrives in the mailbox, the question arises: What rights and obligations do I actually have as an employee in Germany? What about working hours, insurance, vacation, termination, and so on? That’s where the Germany-wide “Faire Integration” counseling service comes in. The service is aimed at refugees and migrants from third countries (i.e., countries outside the EU). Counseling is provided free of charge, anonymously, and in various languages.
There are also several counseling centers in Saxony-Anhalt. All counseling centers and contact information can be found on the Faire Integration website.
German employers who wish to hire third-country nationals with their domicile or habitual residence abroad are required under Section 45c of the Residence Act to inform these (future) employees about the availability of this counseling service.
“GEH DEINEN WEG”
Another nationwide support program is the GEH DEINEN WEG (GDW) scholarship and mentoring program, which was launched in 2012 to support talented young people with a migration background. In addition to networking events and a variety of workshops, the mentoring partnership is at the heart of the program. Based on their individual career goals and interests, all scholarship recipients are assigned a personal mentor who supports them over a two-year period and advises them on questions regarding their education or career. To this end, the Deutschlandstiftung Integration collaborates with experienced experts from the fields of politics, business, media, culture, and academia. Each year, approximately 100 scholarship recipients are selected to receive support for two years.
Funding Instruments
In addition to the support programs offered by vocational training providers and immigrant organizations, immigrants are also eligible for assistance from the Employment Agencies and Job Centers to help them enter the workforce. This support is governed by the legal provisions of the Second and Third Books of the Social Code (SGB II and III). The goal of these support measures is to help individuals secure employment subject to social insurance contributions or self-employment. Access to specific employment support measures depends on the individual’s residency status.
Please note:
Eligibility for benefits generally depends on the individual’s residence status and date of entry.
Detailed information on this topic is available in the guide *Alg II and Social Assistance for Foreigners* published by the Berlin Refugee Council, as well as in the resource guide on the topic of flight and migration, *Social Rights for Refugees* (starting on p. 17).
Please note:
Support services and the coverage of costs are generally subject to a case-by-case review by the funding institution. Therefore, to clarify questions regarding counseling and job placement, you should definitely contact the counseling specialists at the employment agencies and job centers, as well as the contact persons in the counseling and support projects.
Support Instruments Under the Second Social Code (SGB II) for Immigrants
Support measures under SGB II
are generally available to the following target groups:
- immigrants from other EU countries and third countries who are eligible for benefits and capable of working,
- recognized refugees,
- asylum seekers with a residence permit,
- asylum seekers granted subsidiary protection.
They are subject to the same rights and obligations to cooperate as all domestic workers.
However, asylum seekers with good prospects of remaining in the country and individuals granted temporary leave to remain without a ban on employment under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (AsylbLG) are excluded. For them, the support measures under the Third Book of the Social Code (SGB III) apply.
Entry Allowance (ESG) under Section 16b of SGB II
The ESG is intended to support recipients of Unemployment Benefit II in taking up employment subject to social insurance contributions or in starting their own business. It is a time-limited, non-countable subsidy designed to facilitate integration into the labor market.
Further information:
You can find background information on the ESG in the discretionary guidelines issued by the Job Center of the State Capital of Magdeburg.
Employment Opportunities (AGH) under Section 16d of SGB II
Employment Opportunities under Section 16d of SGB II serve as a medium-term support measure to promote the integration into the labor market of eligible beneficiaries who are able to work but are difficult to place, and to help them adjust to everyday working life. These are additional, non-competitive jobs that serve the public interest. An AGH is limited to a maximum of 24 months within a five-year period and is carried out by suitable providers.
Recognized refugees may receive additional benefits in the form of interpretation services and social-educational support.
Support Measures Under the Third Social Code (SGB III) for Immigrants
Support measures under SGB IIIare generally available to the following target groups:
- Individuals with a residence permit, asylum seekers, and tolerated persons without an employment ban (benefits to cover living expenses under the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act (AsylbLG)),
- Immigrants from other EU countries and third countries who are eligible for benefits and capable of working, recognized refugees, persons entitled to asylum with subsidiary protection, and persons entitled to asylum with a residence permit who receive benefits under SGB II,
- Asylum seekers, asylum seekers with good prospects of remaining in Germany, and tolerated persons without a ban on employment,
A cut-off date rule applies: Access to benefits under SGB III applies to all foreign nationals who were already residing in Germany with a valid permit, authorization, or temporary stay status for at least three months prior to August 1, 2019. For all immigrants arriving after August 1, 2019, a 15-month waiting period otherwise applies, provided that, in the case of a “geduldet” status, deportation must have been suspended for at least nine months. Detailed explanations, including a checklist for eligibility for integration courses and vocational German language courses, can be found on the “Berlin hilft” website.
Placement Budget under Section 44 of SGB III
Using the placement budget under Section 44 of SGB III, the Employment Agency can cover various costs incurred by job seekers when entering and being placed in the labor market, such as application costs, travel expenses to job interviews, moving expenses when starting a job or apprenticeship, or costs for work clothing.
Since the placement budget is a discretionary benefit, coverage of these costs must always be clarified with the responsible counselor.
More information:
The Börde Job Center provides an overview of the placement budget.
Measures for Activation and Vocational Integration at a Provider (MAT) pursuant to Section 45 of SGB III
MAT programs are designed to introduce job seekers and those seeking training to the labor market through suitable activities—for example, at private or public educational institutions. A MAT program can help identify, reduce, or eliminate barriers to job placement. As part of the MAT, participants may receive assistance with travel expenses, child care, and course and exam fees. The duration of funding depends on the individual case. The Employment Agency may directly commission providers to implement the measures or issue an activation and placement voucher to the eligible individual.
More information:
Both the Jerichower Land Job Center and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs provide further information on this topic.
Measures for Activation and Vocational Integration with an Employer (MAG) pursuant to Section 45 of SGB III
MAG programs are designed to introduce job seekers and those seeking training to the labor market or self-employment through a work trial at a company. MAG programs can help identify, reduce, or eliminate barriers to placement. The duration of support depends on the individual case, but is limited to a maximum of 6 weeks at 15 hours per week (up to 40 hours per week for individuals covered by SGB II).
More information:
Both the Jerichower Land Job Center and the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs provide further information on this topic.
Federal Program for Refugee Integration Measures (FIM)
FIM aims to place asylum seekers in low-threshold job opportunities and to integrate them more quickly into the German labor market before the asylum procedure is concluded. FIM measures are divided into internal and external measures: Internal FIM programs are carried out by agencies or operators of state reception facilities or municipal shared housing facilities. External FIM programs can be implemented by nonprofit, municipal, or state agencies. FIM programs last up to six months and involve up to 30 hours per week.
Target group:
This measure does not apply to asylum seekers from safe countries of origin, individuals with temporary residence status, or those subject to an enforceable departure order. Asylum seekers whose applications are highly likely to be decided in the near future (usually follow-up applications) should also not be assigned to this measure.
More information:
You can find useful information about FIM on the website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, as well as the guidelines for FIM.
Skills Assessment, Early Activation, and Language Acquisition (KompAS) pursuant to Section 45 of SGB III
KompAS combines the integration courses offered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees with a labor market policy tool: In addition to language acquisition and the development of intercultural skills through the integration courses, participants receive career orientation services, such as job application training and workplace trials. The goal is to overcome barriers to employment and introduce participants to the labor market at an early stage. The program lasts between six and eight months.
Target group: Asylum seekers who are eligible to participate in an integration course.
More information:
The BAMF’s circular to implementing agencies explains the background of KompAS.
Combination of Vocational Language Training and Employment Support (KomBer) pursuant to Section 45 of SGB III
KomBer enables immigrants—who generally have German language skills up to level B1—to combine language acquisition with practical professional interests in the field of industrial and technical occupations. As part of vocational language support and an active labor market integration measure, immigrants can thus learn technical terminology and immediately apply it in a professional setting. The program begins with an assessment of skills, followed by a six-week trial phase. Applicants receive individual support in applying for trial positions.
Target group: Individuals who have already completed an integration course.
More info:
The Specialist Office for Transitions in Training and Employment explains the background of KomBER.
Various support programs and government funding instruments are available to help immigrants find employment. Below, we provide an overview of support programs in Saxony-Anhalt as well as funding instruments under Books II and III of the Social Code, which are designed to help immigrants transition into employment subject to social insurance contributions or self-employment.
The Skilled Workers Immigration Act has been in effect since March 1, 2020. You can find an overview of the changes brought about by the law on the German federal government’s portal for skilled workers from abroad, “Make it in Germany.”
Please note:
Support programs and the coverage of costs are generally subject to a case-by-case review by the funding institution. For example, eligibility for a support program varies depending on your residence status.
Therefore, the information provided on the following pages is intended only as a general guide. If you have questions regarding counseling or job placement, please contact the counseling specialists at the Employment Agencies and Job Centers, as well as the contact persons in the counseling and support programs.