Integrating refugees into labor markets

Abstract

Refugees have often lower employment rates and income levels than family reunion migrants and labor migrants, but over time this gap diminishes or disappears altogether. Non-selection for the labor market, depreciation of human capital and credentials due to the asylum and skill accreditation processes, as well as inferior health levels are important reasons for the slower adaption process. Given the current and future increasing inflow of refugees into developed welfare states and to diminish individual and societal costs, more in-depth knowledge about the integration of refugees into a host country’s labor market, including policy evaluation, should be prioritized.