Selina Gangl (FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg)
Matthias Collischon and Regina Riphahn
This paper studies the impact of occupational recognition for refugees. While occupational recognition has been shown to matter for immigrants more broadly, evidence for refugees, who face distinct labor market barriers, is scarce. We exploit institutional variation in the timing of occupational recognition in Germany. A large number of responsible authorities with distinct institutional arrangements and procedures generates variation in the timing of recognition decisions. Using linked survey and administrative data on refugees who entered Germany since 2013 and applying recent difference-in-differences methods, we estimate the impact of recognition on employment and related outcomes. Occupational recognition increases employment, particularly full-time employment, and is associated with higher life satisfaction and remittance behavior. The results are robust across datasets and specifications.