25 June 2025
On the occasion of World Refugee Day on Friday, June 20, the Luxembourg Red Cross reached out to economic decision-makers to introduce them to the population of asylum seekers (IPD) and beneficiaries of international protection (BIP), and to break down stereotypes surrounding their employment.
The LISKO service and the Migrants and Refugees department invited companies to the Chamber of Commerce for an event entitled ‘Hiring for Diversity: Promoting the Employment of Refugees’, in the presence of Max Hahn, Minister for Ministère de la Famille, des Solidarités, du Vivre ensemble et de l’Accueil.
By presenting their activities to help refugees integrate into the Luxembourg job market and highlighting success stories, the two services aimed to show entrepreneurs that hiring BIP and IPD is possible despite the challenges of the migration journey and the difficulties of integration.
In his welcome address, the Director General of the Chamber of Commerce, Carlo Thelen, praised the initiative of the Luxembourg Red Cross, which provided an opportunity to exchange views, listen to inspiring testimonials and discover stories that prove that integrating refugees is not only possible, but often represents a valuable human and professional asset: “Together, we have a responsibility to remove obstacles, develop skills and ensure that employment becomes a vehicle for stability, dignity and emancipation. Promoting the integration of refugees is not a symbolic or humanitarian gesture, but a strategic commitment to sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth.”
After the speech by Minister Max Hahn, Cécile Jérouville, training and REVEIL project coordinator at the LISKO service, invited the audience to take part in a short role-play exercise to briefly step into the shoes of a refugee. She also explained the employment conditions according to the different legal statuses. Célia Sayad, coordinator of the Lët’z Work project within the Migrants and Refugees service, presented the project and the various opportunities for collaboration with companies.
This event was marked by two powerful testimonies: one from a company that successfully hired international protection applicants, and another from a woman seeking international protection who is now working in Luxembourg.
Autocars Meyers has been employing IPDs since September 2024. A company representative explained that in the transport sector, it is difficult to recruit locally. IPDs therefore represent a valuable resource. He emphasized the exemplary professionalism of the individuals hired and the company’s genuine desire to retain them in the long term:
« The integration of IPAs enriches our team by bringing new perspectives, cultures, languages, and work approaches. IPAs are particularly motivated to integrate, to learn, and to demonstrate their skills. They stand out through their availability, their respect towards colleagues, and their positive and caring attitude. »
Ms. Milagros Ramírez shared a moving testimony. In Venezuela, she worked as an architect. Today, she is a versatile employee in a restaurant. She spoke about her journey and the challenges she faces in her job search. She highlighted a challenge faced by many applicants for international protection: silent discrimination in the hiring process:
« Several times, companies interested in my profile have withdrawn as soon as they discovered that I had the ‘pink paper.’ This reaction, even if not always openly expressed, reveals a fear or a lack of understanding that ultimately leads to our exclusion… We need to highlight the real advantages of hiring people in our situation. Many of us have professional experience, diplomas, skills, motivation, and above all, a strong desire for stability. We are not trying to take advantage of the system…»
Are you a business and want to learn more about the Lët’z Work project?
Are you interested in hiring asylum seekers but don’t know how to proceed?
Contact Célia Sayad at letzwork@croix-rouge.lu
This event, organized with the support of the Chamber of Commerce, helped raise awareness and engage in dialogue with potential recruiters to improve employment opportunities for refugees
All photos are © Charly Petit, Chamber of Commerce.
