Hiring an asylum seeker.

Applicants for international protection may apply to work temporarily in certain specific cases. This temporary work permit (autorisation d’occupation temporaire - AOT) is only valid for one profession and one specific employer.

The AOT is valid for 6 months and can be renewed.

An application for a temporary work permit can be submitted to the National Employment Agency (Agence pour le développement de l'emploi - ADEM) 6 months at the earliest after the application for international protection if a decision on international protection has not yet been taken and provided that the applicant for international protection is not responsible for the delay in taking the decision.

The application for the AOT is made jointly by the applicant for international protection and the employer who wishes to hire this person.

Before hiring a third-country national, employers must declare the vacant position to the National Employment Agency (Agence pour le développement de l'emploi - ADEM).  

The application submitted to ADEM by the employer must include:

  • the AOT application form in 2 copies, duly completed and signed;
  • a copy of the certificate of application for international protection;
  • where applicable, a copy of the certificates attesting the professional qualifications of the worker;
  • a copy of the employment contract, dated, signed and compliant with Luxembourg labour law;
  • the CV of the person concerned;
  • a letter explaining and justifying the employment of the applicant by the employer;

Temporary work permit applications are approved or rejected by the Minister responsible for immigration.

The applicant's employment contract will be terminated automatically when the temporary work permit expires or is withdrawn.

The granting of an AOT does not entitle the holder to a residence permit, or to the payment of full unemployment benefits.

Third-country nationals benefiting from a postponement of deportation or suspension of deportation for medical reasons may apply to work temporarily in certain specific cases. Please click here for further information. 

 

 

 

 

 

Important information

For asylum seekers whose process has been ongoing for six months and for individuals whose deportation has been deferred or suspended, ADEM no longer conducts a labour market test as part of the approval process for temporary employment authorisation.

Last update