Background information
The 2017 Council of Europe's Recommendation on the Recognition of Qualifications held by Refugees and Displaced Persons highlights the importance of recognising the qualifications and prior learning of refugees and displaced persons to support their integration into the host country's education and labour systems. It emphasises the need for flexible and inclusive recognition procedures and calls on member states to ensure that refugees have access to information, guidance, and support in having their qualifications recognised (III, General Principles)
In accordance with the qualification directive (2011/95/EU), (QD), Member States are required to ensure equal treatment between beneficiaries of international protection and nationals regarding the recognition procedures for foreign diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications. Member States are also mandated to facilitate full access for beneficiaries who are unable to provide documentary evidence of their qualifications to appropriate schemes for the assessment, validation and accreditation of their prior learning (Article 28 QD).
Furthermore, the directive emphasises the necessity of considering special measures to effectively address the practical difficulties encountered by beneficiaries of international protection in authenticating their foreign diplomas, certificates or other evidence of formal qualifications. These challenges often arise due to the lack of documentary evidence and the inability to cover the costs related to recognition procedures (recital 44 QD).
While primarily focusing on the recognition of qualifications acquired in other EU countries, the professional qualifications directive 2013/55/EU also includes provisions that can be relevant for beneficiaries of international protection. It emphasises the importance of considering relevant professional experience alongside formal qualifications when assessing an individual's qualifications. This provision can be applied to recognise the prior learning and experience of beneficiaries of international protection (Article 13).
Information provision messages
Inform beneficiaries of international protection on the below.
- The importance of having prior learning outcomes and experiences validated and recognised as a vital step in the integration process. Additionally, highlight that recognising prior learning helps bridge gaps in formal qualifications, thus facilitating smoother integration into the local labour market and society.
- The appropriate schemes for assessing, validating, and recognising prior learning and experience (e.g. portfolio or competency-based assessments, tests or exams, interviews, practical demonstrations) and the procedural steps involved (e.g. consultation, file preparation and submission, assessment, validation and recognition).
- The eligibility criteria, necessary documents, costs, and duration of such processes.
- The available support services for the validation and recognition of prior learning and experiences, detailing what such services consist of (e.g. counselling, file preparation and submission) and the contact details of the service providers (e.g. local authorities, NGOs, community centres).
- The main challenges that beneficiaries usually encounter with the validation and recognition of prior learning and experiences, such as the lack of documentation, language barriers, curricular differences, etc. Emphasise best practices and strategies to mitigate potential challenges, such as alternative evidence, language support, etc.
Practical tips
- Organise interactive Q&A sessions for beneficiaries as well as one-to-one information and counselling sessions to provide personalised guidance.
- Consider inviting former refugees to give testimonials and tell about their experience in having their qualifications recognised.