15 years of recognition counselling – a success story with a future
On 1 October 2025, the Central Recognition Office (ZAA) celebrated its anniversary. Rahela Abdullah, the head of the ZAA, looks back with pride on 15 years of recognition counselling in Hamburg.
Since 2010, we at the Central Recognition Office (ZAA) have been supporting people with foreign educational and professional qualifications on their path to recognition.
During this time, we have been able to advise and support over 36,000 skilled workers from around 200 countries of origin. Each individual story represents competence, diversity and the desire for professional participation.
„…I would like to thank you once again for your support on this rollercoaster ride of my life“,
writes one of the clients who found a job in Hamburg that is appropriate to his qualifications.
Today more than ever, recognition counselling is key to attracting skilled workers and integration.
Because:
- It brings professional potential to light
- It creates access to the German labour market
- It promotes participation, equality and diversity
Our work is not just about providing information – it is about guidance, building bridges and encouragement. Together with many partners inside and outside the Hamburg Welcome Center (HWC), we guide people through complex procedures and help them to make their professional goals a reality.
Thank you for 15 years of trust!
We would like to express our special thanks to:
- all those seeking advice for their trust and commitment
- all partners and supporters for their excellent cooperation
- our international, multilingual team for their expertise, empathy and endurance
And what does the future hold?
The importance of recognition counselling is growing – as a response to the shortage of skilled workers and as a contribution to an open, inclusive society.
Because in the end, it's not where you come from that counts, but your skills.
Because skills have no country of origin.
Do you have a foreign vocational or university degree and would like advice?
Feel free to contact the ZAA!
The Central Recognition Office (ZAA) is funded as part of the IQ Integration through Qualification funding programme. The IQ Integration through Qualification funding programme is supported by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) and administered by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Partners in the implementation are the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth and the Federal Employment Agency.
The Central Recognition Office (ZAA) is largely funded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and is part of Hamburg Welcome Center (HWC).
