How can illegal employment be detected?

Illegal employment / unregistered workers or work without a work permit can be detected in different ways:

Employers can be reported to the customs authorities, for example. This can also be done anonymously. If there is sufficient evidence, customs will follow up on the information and investigate the employer. Customs can also check employers even without a direct tip.

Warning! Reporting an employer to customs can have negative consequences for other employees in the company, for example if:

• a work permit is missing
• benefits were received from social services, the job centre or the employment agency at the same time as unregistered work.

A report can be made online on the website of the customs authority (the fields for personal data do not have to be filled in, the report is anonymous): Zoll online - Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit

Authorities have to forward information to customs and/or the Foreigners' Registration Office if they become aware of illegal employment or working without a work permit. That's what the law says in Germany. You can also approach your employer directly first: If you think he hasn't registered you, you can remind him of his duty. Get some support from your Fair Integration advice centre!