Qualifications, Potentials and Life Courses of Syrian Asylum Seekers in Germany

This contribution outlines some of the main findings of the “Qualifications, potentials and life courses of Syrian asylum seekers in Bavaria” study conducted in the second half of 2017. Our study adds to the literature on asylum seekers in several ways. First, in addition to collecting information on educational qualifications, we assess human capital stock using aptitude tests. We also gauge German language abilities using objective tests and interviewer assessments. Second, we assess labor market capabilities by tracing migrants’ work experiences with a special focus on evaluating skill levels and skill acquisition over the years. Moreover, we measure subjective expectations to understand the investments migrants undertake in the host country. Lastly, we look at traumatic events which may hinder the successful structural integration of asylum seekers‘, given their often arduous journey to a host country. Therefore, we attempt to offer a broader understanding of Syrian asylum seekers in Germany.