Predictors of Unemployment in Refugees

Year Published:

Abstract

Refugees have an increased risk of unemployment. We initially examined 83 unemployed refugees in Austria (mean age 34.01 years, s = 10.04), 42 of whom attended vocational training courses and 41 of whom did not. At the time of assessment some months later, 37 participants (44.6%) were employed and 46 (55.4%) were unemployed. We used sociodemographic variables as well as collectivistic values, clinical symptoms, command of the German language, perceived social support, and self-efficacy as possible predictors of unemployment. Logistic regression revealed that attending a training course, previous work experience, and a shorter time in Austria increased chances of employment. The logistic regression model we presented will enable practitioners to predict chances of employment in individual cases and to tailor refugees’ vocational rehabilitation to their personal needs. The results suggest that vocational rehabilitation for refugees should be provided as soon as possible after asylum has been granted.

Citation

Relevant Evidence Summaries

The evidence was reviewed and included in the following summaries: 

What strategies enhance career development for newcomers?

While evidence is limited, certain alternative pathways to career development can help improve newcomers’ workforce integration. Suggestive evidence shows that vocational training can contribute to workforce integration. Suggestive evidence shows that scholastic- and career-focused afterschool programs may improve students’ self-reported preparedness to enter the workforce. Moderately strong evidence shows that vocational training focused on goal…

About this study

DIRECTION OF EVIDENCE: Positive impact

FULL TEXT AVAILABILITY: Paid

HOST COUNTRY: Australia

INTERVENTION DURATION: Varies depending on training program.

INTERVENTION: Vocational training

OUTCOME AREA: Workforce integration

POPULATION: Refugees

REGION OF ORIGIN OF PARTICIPANT(S): Multiple Regions

STRENGTH OF EVIDENCE: Suggestive

TYPE OF STUDY: Suggestive evidence

YEAR PUBLISHED: 2013

More STUDIES

Using culturally appropriate, trauma-informed support to promote bicultural self-efficacy among resettled refugees: A conceptual model

Resettled refugees face pressure to integrate successfully into the culture of their resettlement country within a relatively short period of time. Though successful integration is important, research has shown that ethnic identity and participation in the ethnic culture of origin play a key role in supporting the mental health of resettled refugees. This paper presents…

Working towards culturally responsive trauma-informed care in the refugee resettlement process: Qualitative inquiry with refugee-serving professionals in the United States

Trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches have gained popularity in various contexts of human services over the past decades. However, relatively little has been explored about how it is applicable and built into services for refugee populations in resettlement programs. This study explores the current status of the application of TIC in refugee-serving agencies and identifies perceived…

A multitier model of refugee mental health and psychosocial support in resettlement: Toward trauma-informed and culture-informed systems of care

Refugees endure tremendous trauma during migration and resettlement. Despite the wide range of needs and challenges refugees have, previous research on refugee mental health has concentrated on the clinical treatment of certain common mental disorders related to premigration trauma. This narrow attention creates an environment in which positive mental health and social functioning are seen…