Exploitation Concerns Mount as Vietnamese Trainees Face Challenges in German Apprenticeships

Berlin – October 1, 2025 – A surge in Vietnamese trainees seeking apprenticeships in Germany is exposing a system riddled with vulnerabilities, leading to concerns over exploitation and potential human trafficking. Despite possessing language certificates, many trainees are arriving with insufficient German language skills, creating important hurdles to successful completion of their training.

Language Barriers and Disappearing Trainees

At the Brillat Savarin School in Berlin-Weißensee, administrators report a concerning number of Vietnamese trainees are missing vocational school lessons. Approximately one-third of the initially enrolled students have vanished, with no clear indication of their whereabouts. sebastian Riesner, a representative of the Food Alex Reed Gaststätten union (NGG) and a member of the school conference, expressed deep worry, stating, “nobody knows where they got lost.”

Reports suggest some trainees are being diverted into exploitative situations, including low-wage jobs in nail salons and, in the most severe cases, prostitution, where they are forced to work off debts incurred through recruitment fees. The school, which caters to around 5,000 hospitality trainees-700 of whom are Vietnamese-notes that many hold B1 level language certificates but demonstrate limited practical German proficiency.

Systemic Challenges and Operational Difficulties

Gerrit Buchhorn, General Manager of the DEHOGA Berlin employers’ association, described the situation as “very, very difficult,” noting that Vietnamese trainees struggle to follow lessons and teachers are overwhelmed.He acknowledged the possibility of irregular practices within the system. Comparable problems are reportedly occurring across Germany, according to the NGG union.

According to the Federal employment Agency, roughly 16,000 young Vietnamese citizens are currently undergoing apprenticeships in Germany, with nearly 2,000 based in Berlin. However, accurate data regarding the number completing their training, obtaining residence permits, or leaving the system prematurely remains elusive. The number of Vietnamese trainees has consistently risen, with around 4,000 arriving in Germany in 2024 alone.

The Role of Private Agencies and Dubious Practices

In Vietnam, private agencies actively recruit young people, promising to handle all aspects of the application process, including contracts, language tests, and visas, for fees reaching up to 20,000 euros. Many aspiring trainees are left financially burdened and vulnerable. “People are promised the blue from heaven,” remarked Dehoga boss Buchhorn, adding that he regularly receives offers from intermediaries.

Migration expert Mimi VU highlights a “dodgy market” involving private mediators linked to international organized crime networks, including the trade of falsified language certificates. Vietnamese media previously reported irregularities in German language examinations, and the Goethe Institute has issued warnings about fraudulent certifications.

Modern Human Trafficking Concerns

NGG representative Riesner argues that many placement agencies operate as “tractor organizations” designed to supply cheap labor to Germany, characterizing this as “labor exploitation and modern human trafficking.” He fears that many trainees disappear from the official training system and end up working illegally in kitchens or nail studios. Employers’ associations and unions uniformly criticize the lack of effective oversight.

Gerrit Buchhorn calls for an official register of reputable providers and a robust control mechanism. Sebastian Riesner advocates for the Federal Employment Agency to exclusively manage the mediation process under clear legal frameworks, emphasizing that precarious employment situations should not be tolerated in a constitutional state.

What measures should be taken to

what systemic factors in Vietnam make individuals notably vulnerable to deceptive recruitment practices for overseas training programs?

Uncovering Alleged Human Trafficking Among Vietnamese trainees: An In-Depth Investigation

The Rise of “Training” Programs & Vulnerability to Exploitation

Recent reports have brought to light disturbing allegations of human trafficking disguised as international vocational training programs,specifically targeting Vietnamese citizens. These programs,frequently enough promising skilled labor opportunities in countries like Germany,Japan,and Australia,are increasingly suspected of being fronts for exploitative labor practices and,in the most severe cases,outright forced labor. the core issue revolves around deceptive recruitment tactics, exorbitant fees, and the control exerted over trainees once they arrive in the host country. This investigation delves into the mechanics of these schemes, the vulnerabilities exploited, and the steps being taken to combat this growing problem. Keywords: Vietnamese trainees, human trafficking, forced labor, labor exploitation, migrant workers.

How the Schemes Operate: A Step-by-Step breakdown

The process typically unfolds in several stages, each designed to increase the vulnerability of the individuals involved:

1. Recruitment: Agencies in Vietnam often target individuals from rural areas with limited economic opportunities, promising high-paying jobs and a better life abroad. Marketing materials frequently exaggerate the benefits and downplay the risks.
2. Financial Burden: Trainees are required to pay significant upfront fees – frequently enough covering agency costs, visa applications, airfare, and “training” expenses. These fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 USD, effectively trapping individuals in debt bondage. Debt bondage is a key indicator of potential trafficking.
3. Contractual Deception: Contracts are often presented in a language trainees don’t understand (e.g., German, Japanese) or contain hidden clauses that substantially reduce their rights and protections. These clauses may include restrictions on changing employers, limited access to legal recourse, and excessive working hours.
4. Control & Isolation: Upon arrival, trainees often find their passports confiscated, their movements restricted, and their dialog with the outside world monitored. they may be forced to live in overcrowded and substandard housing.
5. Exploitative Labor: Trainees are frequently assigned to low-skilled, physically demanding jobs – often in agriculture, construction, or manufacturing – with long hours and minimal pay. Wages are often significantly lower than promised, and deductions are made for various expenses, further increasing their debt. Labor trafficking is the primary form of exploitation in these cases.

Identifying the Red Flags: what to Look For

Recognizing the signs of potential trafficking in persons is crucial for prevention and intervention. key indicators include:

* High Recruitment Fees: Unusually large upfront costs are a major warning sign.

* Confiscated Documents: Any instance of an employer or recruiter taking control of a worker’s passport or other identification documents.

* Debt Bondage: Workers being forced to work to pay off exorbitant debts.

* Restricted Movement: Limitations on a worker’s freedom of movement or communication.

* Substandard Living Conditions: Overcrowded, unsanitary, or unsafe housing.

* Unpaid or Underpaid Wages: Failure to pay wages as promised or making excessive deductions.

* Threats & Intimidation: any form of coercion or threat used to control a worker.

* Lack of Legal Access: Denial of access to legal counsel or assistance.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Exploitation

In 2023, a joint investigation by several ngos revealed a network operating between Vietnam and Germany, recruiting Vietnamese citizens for agricultural work under the guise of a training program. Workers reported being forced to work 12-14 hour days in harsh conditions for minimal pay, with their passports confiscated and threats made against their families back home if they attempted to leave.Several individuals were ultimately identified as victims of human trafficking and received assistance from authorities. (Source: Anti-Slavery international Report, 2023).

another case, documented by the International Labour Organization (ILO), involved Vietnamese trainees sent to Japan for shipbuilding work. these trainees faced significant debt, were subjected to verbal abuse, and were denied adequate safety training, resulting in several workplace injuries.Migrant worker rights were severely violated in this instance.

The Role of Host Countries & International Cooperation

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach involving both source and destination countries. Host countries must:

* Strengthen Labor Laws: Enforce existing labor laws and implement stricter regulations to protect migrant workers.

* Increase Inspections: Conduct regular and unannounced inspections of workplaces employing foreign trainees.

* Provide Legal Assistance: Ensure that victims of trafficking have access to legal counsel and support services.

* Improve Visa Screening: Enhance visa screening processes to identify and prevent fraudulent recruitment practices.

Vietnam must:

* Regulate Recruitment Agencies: Implement stricter oversight of recruitment agencies and hold them accountable for deceptive practices.

* Raise Awareness: Educate potential trainees about the risks of trafficking and their rights as workers