Integration for Unemployed Persons with a Refugee Background (ESF+ 2021–2027)

Integration Support for Unemployed Persons with a Refugee Background – This funding program of the Free State of Bavaria supports projects aimed at sustainably improving the labor market opportunities of long-term unemployed individuals as well as unemployed persons with a refugee background. The measure combines vocational qualification with socio-pedagogical support and individual activation measures. In particular, projects are funded that compensate for deficits in qualification levels through targeted qualification measures and, if necessary, are supplemented by language training to reduce barriers to entering the labor market. Funding is provided as a grant, covering 50% to 70% of eligible costs. The funding is directed at educational institutions, public bodies, and companies that implement vocational projects as continuing education providers.

The program supports initiatives that combine the modules "Activation," "socio-pedagogical support," and "vocational qualification" in content. Projects must be adapted to the specific needs of the regional labor market in Bavaria and have a minimum project duration of four to a maximum of nine months. The measure targets adult, employable persons with a refugee background who receive benefits under the Bürgergeld scheme, are available to the labor market, and have a secure residence status. A prerequisite is also the successful completion of the integration course, so that participants demonstrate an adequate language level. This not only strengthens vocational key qualifications but also achieves personal and social stabilization.

Applications are submitted exclusively via the ESF Bavaria 2021 online portal and must be submitted no later than two months before the start of the measure. Thus, the funding program also offers the possibility of submitting "pre-requests" before the project start to obtain information regarding project opportunities. In addition to personnel costs, material costs and travel expenses are also considered eligible expenses. Within the framework of this grant program, innovative projects are supported that facilitate access to the primary labor market and thereby enable sustainable integration. Overall, the funding makes an important contribution to opening up future-oriented perspectives for people with a refugee background and promoting equal opportunities in working life.