Refugees in Europe – Selected practices in recognition and validation of qualifications and skills

This report explores procedures for recognition and validation of qualifications and skills for refugees in a number of European countries. Recognition and validation are important elements of qualification systems that can contribute to labour market integration of refugees, migrants and local citizens. Qualifications Frameworks can serve as a useful tool for the assessment of qualifications and skills in relation to qualification framework levels, learning outcomes and workload. Local authorities can develop procedures for recognition and validation as part of National Qualifications Frameworks tools and instruments.

In recent years, the large influx of refugees and migrants arriving in Europe has led to an increasing number of initiatives to make refugees’ qualifications and skills visible and vale them. There are initiatives at local, national and European level; many of them are well documented in reports and websites. However, available documentation suggests that initiatives towards labour market integration of refugees and migrants are often uncoordinated and unevenly distributed between and within countries. To be effective instruments for labour market integration, identification, recognition, and validation of qualifications and skills of refugees should be part of a broader system of labour market integration of refugees.

ETF developed a process chart as a schematic presentation of such a broader system. This process chart, figure 1 on the next page, shows routes towards labour market integration, not only for refugees but also for labour migrants and other displaced persons. Such a system should start with an early identification of qualifications and skills of refugees, preferably in the early stage when refugees are registered5. Such early identification could identify:
 refugees that have acquired a formal qualification from an accredited institute in their home country and are eligible for a recognition of foreign qualification procedure (route 1 of the process chart)
 refugees that have no formal qualifications but do have significant work experience and skills and are eligible for a validation of non-formal and informal learning procedure (route 2)
 refugees that have very limited work experience and relevant skills and should enter into a training programme (route 3).

After completion of a recognition or validation procedure, or an education and training program, the route to employment will not be automatic. Some refugees might benefit from work based learning or entrepreneurship programmes; most will need language training, socio-cultural induction and guidance and job placement services.

This report deals primarily with the routes 1 and 2 of the process chart above. Route 1 is for refugees who have a qualification (diploma or certificate) from an accredited institute in their home country. Route 2 is for refugees who have significant work experience and relevant skills, but no formal certificate.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at Recognition and validation of qualifications and skills for refugees: selected practices from Europe