Integrating refugees into host country labor markets: Challenges and policy options.

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Abstract

Helping new arrivals find jobs commensurate with their skills and experience—and with the potential for upward progression—can have positive effects on other indicators of integration, such as personal well-being and social cohesion. The case for up-front investments in labor market integration policies is especially compelling in countries facing demographic decline and skills shortages. This report provides an overview of the barriers to the successful labor market integration of refugees and asylum seekers across all skills levels, and analyzes the targeted support initiatives and structural policy levers available to overcome them. Among the policies that can support such integration: early skills assessment and training, recognition of foreign academic and professional credentials, and employer engagement. The report encourages policymakers to start integration initiatives early, thoroughly evaluate integration programs, and clearly communicate integration prospects and expected returns on investments.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What strategies improve the outcomes of refugee women in employment programs?

This evidence summary, authored by Switchboard, summarizes the state of available evidence regarding strategies to improve the employment rates of refugee women in employment programs. Limited but growing evidence shows positive impacts of national policies on the employment rates of refugees. Canada’s Educational Credential Assessment requirement for economic migrants and private sponsorship programs has shown […]

About this study

AGE: Adults

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Inconclusive or mixed impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Free

GENDER: Female

HOST COUNTRY: Multiple countries

HOST COUNTRY INCOME: High

INTERVENTION DURATION: Not specified

INTERVENTION: Women's employment intervention

OUTCOME AREA: Employment>Employment attainment

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2016

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