SHD Represents the Voice of Young Vietnamese in Germany – Towards Comprehensive and Humane Integration

On October 2, 2025, SHD was honored to attend International Conference “Labor Migration – Perspectives, Practices and Global Responsibilities” took place in the city of Wernigerode, state of Sachsen-Anhalt (Germany).

International Conference on Labor Migration and Integration in Germany

The event is organized by Eine Welt Netzwerk Sachsen-Anhalt eV (Sachsen-Anhalt One World Network), in cooperation and funding by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Sachsen-Anhalt and Harzsparkasse Bank.

The workshop was attended by Mrs. Stefanie Pötzsch –State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Mr. Thomas Balcerowski – The Mayor of the Harz region, along with many experts, businesses and prestigious international organizations active in the fields of labor migration, vocational training and social integration.

> Reference: Working and Integration in Germany – A Career Journey Linked to Understanding and Companionship

Workshop on “Labor Migration: Prospects, Realities and Global Responsibilities” in Wernigerode (Germany)

Labor Migration – A Central Theme in the Global Context

In the context of Germany facing a serious labor shortage, the issue of labor migration and integration is becoming one of the top topics of concern. According to estimates, Germany needs about 288.000 net migration per year by 2040 to ensure human resources for the economy.

However, along with career development opportunities are a series of challenges in terms of language, culture, working conditions, as well as the psychology of adapting to a foreign land. Therefore, building a humane, fair and sustainable immigration policy is considered a key factor for international workers to truly integrate.

SHD – Representative voice of international workers in Germany

At the workshop, Mrs. Lanh Huyen Nhu, SHD representative in Germany, participated and moderated the discussion: “Willkommen oder Hürdenlauf – Chancen und Herausforderungen für Arbeitsmigrant:innen in Deutschland” (Welcome or Overcome: Opportunities and Challenges for Migrant Workers in Germany).

SHD and delegates discussed the topic "Welcoming or overcoming obstacles? Opportunities and challenges for migrant workers in Germany"

Based on direct experience accompanying thousands of Vietnamese students and workers studying in Germany, SHD has brought a realistic, humane and multi-dimensional perspective on the integration journey of international workers - not only Vietnamese, but also other immigrant communities living and working in Germany.

SHD emphasized that, for the integration process to take place effectively, workers need to be supported not only in vocational skills, but also in language, mental health and social networks – factors that determine the ability to adapt and develop long term.

Multidimensional discussion – towards a sustainable and humane integration journey 

The discussion session attended by SHD received special attention from experts and organizations in Germany. The parties discussed in depth the current barriers in the integration process: language and cultural differences, shortcomings in administrative procedures, as well as psychological pressure in the new working environment.

From there, the discussion group unanimously proposed many specific solutions at three levels:

• Policy level: Perfecting the legal framework for international workers, ensuring fair residence and working conditions.
• Social level: Develop programs for exchange, mentoring and community integration support.
• Enterprise level: Strengthen language support, cultural orientation and create a friendly working environment for foreign workers.

SHD at the Symposium "Labor Migration: Prospects, Realities and Global Responsibilities" in Wernigerode (Germany)

SHD – Accompanying young Vietnamese people on their integration journey in Germany

SHD's presence at a prestigious international forum like this conference is a strong commitment of SHD in promote sustainable and humane integration process for international workers, especially young Vietnamese people studying and working in Germany

SHD not only plays the role of a training unit and sends students to Germany for vocational training, but also companion throughout the integration journey – from the domestic preparation phase, adaptation in Germany, to long-term career development.

> Reference: SHD Students Are Present In Harz Region, Federal Republic of Germany - Results After Signing Cooperation Agreement Ceremony In November 2024

Through the workshop, SHD has represented the international labor community and provided practical recommendations to help German agencies and businesses better understand the needs and challenges of the foreign labor force. At the same time, it has contributed to helping Vietnamese workers have more voice, opportunities and understanding in the international community.

Former SHD students are studying and working in the state of Sachsen-Anhalt

For SHD, the integration journey is not just a story of employment, but journey of understanding, sharing and comprehensive development – where every Vietnamese student can confidently build a career, make a positive contribution to German society and become a cultural ambassador of Vietnam in the international arena.