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Access to employment

Member States are encouraged to grant earlier access to the labour market for applicants whose requests for international protection are likely to be well-founded. Once access is granted, applicants should receive a common set of employment related rights equal to those of nationals, covering working conditions, freedom of association, education and training opportunities, recognition of qualifications and social security. 

Member States may extend equal treatment to self-employed applicants and must work to prevent exploitation, undeclared work and discrimination in the workplace (recitals 52-53 RCD (2024)).

The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol state that refugees will benefit from the most favourable treatment accorded to nationals of a foreign country in the same circumstances concerning the right to engage in wage-earning employment (Article 17). Additionally, refugees must be accorded treatment as favourable as possible and, in any event, not less favourable than that accorded to non-nationals generally in the same circumstances concerning the right to engage in self-employment (Article 18). Refugees lawfully staying in the territory of a contracting state must be accorded treatment as favourable as possible concerning the right to practice their profession (Article 19).

Beneficiaries of international protection have the right to work or be self-employed immediately after receiving protection, subject to the rules generally applicable to the profession concerned or to the public service. They must receive equal treatment to nationals regarding employment conditions, freedom of association, access to vocational training and adult education, and employment-related counselling services. Member State authorities should facilitate access to training and counselling when needed (Article 28 Qualification Regulation).

Beneficiaries of international protection should receive adequate support to access employment opportunities. Such support should start from the phase of stay in reception. The EUAA Operational Standards and Indicators on Reception including Vulnerability-related Aspects, 2026, frame access to employment as a key element of early integration, aimed at fostering applicants’ self-sufficiency, autonomy and participation in society. The standards emphasise that applicants should benefit from effective and practical access to the labour market within 6 months after the application is registered. Applicants are entitled to equal treatment with nationals once labour market access is granted (Standard 127, page 162), and applicants with special needs have access to employability services as well as special adaptations or initiatives to support them in accessing the labour market (Standard 128, p. 166-167). 

Information provision messages 

Inform beneficiaries of international protection about the following.

  • Their right to employment and self-employment, immediately after being granted international protection, including the possibility to continue with the same employer as when they were an applicant. 
  • Their right to equal treatment with citizens regarding access and conditions for employment. 
  • The legal framework for employment: 
    • eligibility criteria (e.g. minimum age, study/qualification diplomas)
    • requirements for certain jobs (e.g. documents such as study or qualification diplomas, probationary periods)
    • payment: salary (e.g. minimum, average salary, bank accounts)
    • contract types (e.g. work contracts, service contracts)
    • labour rights, including taxation and social security (e.g. salary, time off, annual leave, medical leave, unemployment, safe working conditions)
    • freedom of association and affiliation
    • labour sectors restrictions (e.g. which sectors/professions are reserved for citizens and/or residents). 
  • Employment opportunities (e.g. employment services and support, online portals, recruitment companies, integration-related employment opportunities) and how to access them. 
  • Employment-related educational opportunities (e.g. training and vocational courses, internships) and how to access them. 
  • Availability of care services for employed beneficiaries who are responsible for dependents, such as children and adults with disabilities. 
  • Inclusive and accessible employment opportunities for beneficiaries with special needs or in vulnerable situations (e.g. work from home opportunities for people with mobility impairments, flexible arrangements for single parents) 
  • Programmes offered by the government and non-governmental organisations for labour-market integration, offering targeted services for individuals with special needs or vulnerabilities. This may include counselling, vocational training, job search assistance, specialised language courses, CV drafting and interview preparation and contact details for support.
  • Recognition and equivalence of diplomas/qualifications, including eligibility conditions, where to apply, available assistance and the contact details of the relevant authorities. 
  • The social security benefits available to employed beneficiaries (e.g. health insurance, unemployment benefits and pension schemes) and how to register for these benefits.
  • Workplace rights, obligations and protection, including: 
    • guidance on identifying and reporting exploitation or unsafe working conditions
    • legal counselling and support for employment-related issues 
    • safety regulations in the workplace
    • expectations regarding punctuality and workplace conduct.
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Practical tips

  • Deliver integrated information sessions or resources by combining employment information with other relevant rights and support services, such as housing, healthcare and legal aid. This ensures the provision of comprehensive assistance. 
  • Provide employment-related information in cooperation with the employment agencies or relevant non-governmental organisations that provide integration support, ensuring beneficiaries receive accurate and practical guidance.