Migration and International Labour Studies (INTER)
Research Department
Tasks
The INTER research department investigates migration and integration processes and their consequences for the labour markets in Germany and Europe. In doing so, we take into account different types of migration, including: Refugee migration, skilled immigration and family reunification. The focus is on the following leading research questions: What are the main causes and determinants of flight and migration? What is the impact of increasing international migration, especially recent refugee movements, on the labour markets in Germany and other European countries and on social security systems? What factors determine the long-term integration of migrants and refugees into the labour market, the education system and society? How do integration measures compare internationally? How mobile are immigrants internationally, who stays in Germany for how long? What are the reasons for migrants to leave Germany again?
The department also deals with the consequences of internationalisation and examines the impact of international trade and outsourcing on businesses and on macroeconomic aspects in general. In addition, we analyse the influence of labour market institutions and the welfare state in international comparison.
We also analyse the influence of labour market institutions and the welfare state in international comparison. For example, we look at strategies for integrating the unemployed into the labour market in other countries and how to evaluate them in their respective contexts.
With several longitudinal surveys, the field makes a significant contribution to building an efficient infrastructure for migration and refugee research: The IAB-SOEP migration sample, collected since 2013, is now the most important micro-data set in Germany that can be used to study the causes of migration, the integration of migrants into the German labour market, and the education system in its diversity. The IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees, collected since 2016, captures the human capital and personality characteristics of refugees in Germany, their legal, social and economic integration, and the circumstances of flight, war, and displacement. These data sets can be used to comprehensively study the causes and consequences of exodus and other migratory movements.
With the International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa) a panel datset was started on onward and return migration since 2024. IMPa data can answer key questions about integration, stay, return, onward movement and circular migration (including individual migration considerations and plans, as well as actual mobility behaviours) that are highly relevant to policy, labour markets, society and science.
Transit countries of runaway migration can be investigated with the Transmit datasets collected since 2020.
This extensive database serves the research field as a basis for evidence-based advice to policy makers and the public in Germany and internationally on the complex issues of migration and integration.
The department also deals with the consequences of internationalisation and examines the impact of international trade and outsourcing on businesses and on macroeconomic aspects in general. In addition, we analyse the influence of labour market institutions and the welfare state in international comparison.
We also analyse the influence of labour market institutions and the welfare state in international comparison. For example, we look at strategies for integrating the unemployed into the labour market in other countries and how to evaluate them in their respective contexts.
With several longitudinal surveys, the field makes a significant contribution to building an efficient infrastructure for migration and refugee research: The IAB-SOEP migration sample, collected since 2013, is now the most important micro-data set in Germany that can be used to study the causes of migration, the integration of migrants into the German labour market, and the education system in its diversity. The IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees, collected since 2016, captures the human capital and personality characteristics of refugees in Germany, their legal, social and economic integration, and the circumstances of flight, war, and displacement. These data sets can be used to comprehensively study the causes and consequences of exodus and other migratory movements.
With the International Mobility Panel of Migrants in Germany (IMPa) a panel datset was started on onward and return migration since 2024. IMPa data can answer key questions about integration, stay, return, onward movement and circular migration (including individual migration considerations and plans, as well as actual mobility behaviours) that are highly relevant to policy, labour markets, society and science.
Transit countries of runaway migration can be investigated with the Transmit datasets collected since 2020.
This extensive database serves the research field as a basis for evidence-based advice to policy makers and the public in Germany and internationally on the complex issues of migration and integration.
