Recognition of Prior Learning for Highly Skilled Refugees’ Labour Market Integration

Abstract

In the integration of highly skilled refugees, recognition of their prior learning is a key factor. One concern is the object of the recognition process, the formal and the actual competence of the individual. Another concern is the subject of the process, the refugee. Starting from the individual and her/his experience and competence entails a different process and results than starting from professional regulations and labour market needs. A final concern is the process of recognition. Recognition processes could be seen solely as a matter of classification and assessment, but this misses that fact that the recognition process also means a learning process for the individual. This article discusses problems and opportunities relating to the recognition of prior learning targeting highly skilled refugees in relationship with these three concerns of object, subject and process of recognition.