Forum:
Prepare.Support.
Arrive.

KeyVisual Abschlussveranstaltung Forum Vorbereiten.Begleiten.Ankommen Grafik: © Goethe-Institut/Tobias Schrank

On 12 and 13 May 2025, stakeholders from politics, science, business and migrant self-organisations discussed the results of the project ‘Pre-integration and transition management - ensuring a successful migration process’ in Berlin.

Results of the project “Pre-Integration and Transition Management – Ensuring a Successful Migration Process” of the Goethe-Institut

In panel discussions and workshops, experts shed light on the topics of immigration and migration processes from different perspectives and formulated recommendations for action together with the visitors. Project staff reported on active project work in Germany and abroad in presentations and at 10 information stands and answered questions. Since mid-2022, over 70,000 people who want to come to Germany to live and work have already been supported with the free services offered as part of the project.

A man stands at the table of the Southeast Europe region and asks two employees of the Goethe-Institut for information — At the information stand of the Southeast Europe region, visitors can find out all about what Turkey and the Western Balkans have to offer. | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

A woman finds out about pre-integration programmes in Germany — Welcome coach Stefanie Harbig (Goethe-Institut Frankfurt) in a conversation | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Three women stand behind a table with information material and laugh — The project staff of the Goethe-Instituts in Turkey present their information materials | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

A man and a woman are talking — Regional Coordinator Sombatua Sihotang answers questions about the programmes offered in the South Asia region | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Three people stand around a table with information material — Amira Hussein and Amine El Mardi from the North Africa/Middle East region | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Two people talk at the information table of the Sub-Saharan Africa region — The information stands of the Sub-Saharan Africa region | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Two people are talking — The information stands encouraged dialogue | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Two women enquire at the information table of the Central America region — Margaretha Weckenbrock, regional coordinator of the Central America region | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Three women chat at the information table about the offers from Germany — Welcome Coaches Lisa Beck (Goethe-Institut Mannheim) and Christine Hahn (Goethe-Institut Göttingen) | © Goethe-Institut/ Dorothea Tuch

Four people talk at the information table of the Sub-Saharan Africa region — Secretary General of the Goethe-Institut Johannes Ebert visits the stand of the Sub-Saharan Africa region. | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Several people talk in front of the information desk of the South America region — The projects ”FIMA - Fit for the German Labour Market“ and ”APAL - Vocational training partnerships with Asia and Latin America“ also provide information. | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Four women stand at the information table of the South America region and laugh — Staff members of the project locations in Mexico, Colombia and Brazil | © Goethe-Institut/Dorothea Tuch

Building bridges for sustainable integration - findings and recommendations for action

Four key findings and recommendations for action emerged from the discussions and workshops with experts and practitioners. It was noted that migration is and remains an important factor for the labour market and an enrichment for society. For immigrants to decide in favour of living in Germany in the long term, a clear commitment is needed: Germany must see itself as a modern and attractive country of immigration and continue to develop. The integration of immigrants remains a central task. In addition, integration must be thought of and organised transnationally. This task requires people who act as bridge builders both in the country of origin and in Germany.

It was also emphasised that close cooperation between all relevant stakeholders in the field of migration and integration is crucial. In the long term, there is a need for binding and long-term cooperation that is transformed into structures. Finally, companies and employers need a better understanding of the expectations of skilled workers and the support services required. This requires a holistic approach: from a lack of housing or daycare places to waiting times for visas and recognition processes.