Labour force potential of spouses moving in from other EU countries and third countries

The shortage of skilled and general labor and the importance of immigration for the German labor market are repeatedly discussed. However, little attention is paid to the labor force potential of those who did not come to Germany as labor migrants, but as partners through family reunification and are therefore already living in the country. This project examines their labor force potential using data from the Microcensus and the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). It describes the professional qualifications, labor market participation, and economic independence of these accompanying partners. In doing so, it identifies barriers to accessing employment in Germany. The analyses differentiate between partners who migrated from EU countries and those from non-EU countries.

The study shows that around one quarter of all people of working age who moved to Germany between 2005 and 2017 did so for the purpose of family formation or through partner-based family reunification, the majority from non-EU countries. Around three quarters of respondents were women, and about three quarters were younger than 40. Most of them are well educated, with one third even holding a university degree. However, only slightly more than half are employed. This potential could be utilized much more effectively. Greater labor market participation would also promote the long-term economic independence of accompanying partners.

At the time of the study, there were already studies on the living conditions of people who had come to Germany through family reunification. However, these studies had mostly approached the target group either through the legal category of “family reunification” (using data based on the Central Register of Foreigners), thereby excluding EU citizens from the analyses, or they had examined the topic of spousal/family reunification methodologically by focusing on couples with a migration background.

What had not yet been considered, by contrast, was the individual, subjective migration motive of “family.” Since relevant survey data on this aspect are available, EU citizens can also be included in the analysis.

The study examines, on the one hand, the scale of partner-based family reunification, including intra-European migration, and, on the other hand, the qualification levels, labor market participation, and economic independence of accompanying partners. It also aims to identify reasons for their previous non-participation in the labor market. In doing so, the study seeks to provide an empirical basis for policy measures that can promote this group’s access to employment.

The analysis is based on data from the 2017 Microcensus and the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP). Both datasets make it possible to describe individuals who have immigrated to Germany from EU and non-EU countries according to their personal reasons for migration. The focus is therefore on those who arrived in Germany between 2005 and 2017 for family-related reasons and who were of working age (between 18 and 54 years) at the time of the survey.

People who have come to Germany for family reasons constitute a significant share of the overall migrant population. Approximately one quarter of those who immigrated between 2005 and 2017 and are of working age came for the purpose of family formation or spousal reunification.

According to Microcensus data, around three quarters of this group are women, and about three quarters are under the age of 40. The majority come from non-EU countries and have been living in Germany for a comparatively short period of time.

Individuals who migrated through spousal reunification—both men and women—are, on average, well educated: 60 percent hold a school-leaving qualification equivalent to the German university entrance qualification, and one third have a university degree. However, only slightly more than half are employed, with significantly lower employment rates among women, third-country nationals, and individuals with children.

As a result, many of these individuals have little or no independent income and depend on the earnings of their partners or other family members. Many of those who are not employed are actively seeking work or would like to work. Respondents most frequently identify childcare—particularly women—as the main barrier to entering employment.

The study makes clear that the potential of partners and family members who migrate through spousal or family reunification to contribute to the skilled and general workforce is considerable—but also that it could be utilized much more effectively. It therefore highlights the importance of engaging with this group proactively at an early stage, integrating them into existing support structures for labour market participation, and providing active guidance through labour market actors. Otherwise, not only does (potentially long-term) potential remain untapped, but low employment rates and a high level of dependence on partners also pose risks to individuals’ sustainable economic independence. At the same time, improving access to childcare for this group is crucial—not only for taking up employment but also for participating in preparatory measures such as language courses or further qualifications.

• Schiefer, David; Borowsky, Christine; Neuhauser, Bastian; Düvell, Franck (2020): Partner*innen im Familiennachzug: verdecktes Erwerbskräftepotenzial? DeZIM Briefing Notes 3, Berlin: Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung (DeZIM).
• Borowsky, Christine; Schiefer, David; Neuhauser, Bastian; Düvell, Franck (2020): Erwerbskräftepotenzial von Personen im partnerschaftlichen Familiennachzug aus dem EU-Ausland und aus Drittstaaten. DeZIM Project Report 2 - PR-2020_04, Berlin: Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung (DeZIM).