Information provision messages

Inform applicants about: 

• the legal framework for employment, such as: 
  • eligibility criteria, including information, such as: 
    • minimum age for employment;
    • waiting period after lodging their asylum application;
    • labour sector restrictions, including professions reserved only for nationals;
    • if applicable as per national legislation, requirement for a work permit, including the procedures and conditions for obtaining it;
    • right to work, including its duration and the circumstances under which it can be lost;
    • the need for a recognised and equated study diploma;
  • requirements (e.g. documents, probationary periods);
  • payment: salary (e.g. minimum and average salary, opening of bank accounts);
  • contract types (e.g. work contracts, service contracts);
  • labour rights, including taxation and social security (e.g. salary, time off, annual leave, sick leave, unemployment, safe working conditions);
  • labour sectors restrictions (e.g. sectors which are only reserved for own nationals and/or residents).
• the existing job opportunities: 
  • in the reception facility (remunerated and/or voluntary);
  • outside the reception facility, including tailored labour insertion itineraries and sector-specific trends;
  • available resources for finding jobs, such as online job portals, employment agencies, job fairs, and community job boards;
  • organisations providing support with job searching or entrepreneurship;
• how to access employment support services which would focus on aspects such as: 
  • how to create and format an effective resume, including tips on highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications;
  • how to prepare for a job interview, how to open a bank account etc.; 
  • recognition and equivalence of education and qualification diplomas; 
  • any other services that increase the ability to be employed (e.g. specialised language courses); 
• entrepreneurship and self-employment; 
• whether they will be required to contribute to the cost of their material reception conditions once employed, including accommodation, food, and other basic necessities.

Additionally, inform applicants with special needs and those in vulnerable situations about the available and accessible employment opportunities. For example, inform applicants with mobility impairments about teleworking opportunities, and single-parent families about childcare support services, including afterschool programmes. 

Also, inform applicants who have found jobs about their labour rights and obligations, how to protect themselves against exploitation (identification and reporting) and workplace safety regulations. For more, see the topic ‘Trafficking in human beings’.

Practical tips

• Make sure that male and female applicants receive information on employment and are equally encouraged to work.
• Collaborate and coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including governmental agencies, NGOs and community and employment centres, to develop information provision materials and deliver information sessions to applicants on employment-related aspects. This includes assisting service providers in creating dedicated and easy-to-understand information materials for applicants and supporting the distribution of these materials both within and outside reception facilities. Additionally, reception staff can help by bringing applicants to job fairs or organising them in the reception centres and promoting their presence, skills, and employment needs at the local level.
• Use the following communication methods: individual counselling sessions, support groups, and interactive platforms such as online forums and chats, in addition to information sessions.
• Use the following communication channels for providing employment-related messages to applicants:
  • printed materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, and posters) with relevant information on where to find job information and support stakeholders;
  • digital platforms (e.g. websites, dedicated webpages, mobile apps, social media);
  • email and SMS (e.g. newsletters, alerts with local opportunities);
  • hotlines and helplines (telephone support, WhatsApp groups), including for handling work conflicts, exploitation, abuse, etc.;
  • animations, videos, including testimonials, could be used to present applicants with basic information regarding employment and labour rights.
• Dedicated multilingual websites where applicants can find information on employment opportunities, rights, obligations, and contact details for support service providers and local employers.
• Consider the diverse needs of your audience when deciding on communication methods and channels. Ensure all information materials are accessible to applicants with visual, hearing and cognitive impairments, as well as illiterate individuals.