Optimizing the assignment decisions in the refugee resettlement process

Abstract

The number of asylum applications in the European Union has significantly increased in recent years, highlighting the need for effective decision-making in the resettlement process. This research focuses on the refugee status and the resettlement process that transfers refugees from an asylum country to a receiving country. Integration plays a crucial role in the success of resettlement, benefiting both refugees and receiving countries. The priorities of receiving countries and the preferences of refugees also influence the assignment process. However, no comprehensive optimization framework exists that combines these dimensions for decision support. This study proposes a decision-making system that incorporates integration potential, receiving countries' priorities, and refugees' preferences, considering quotas, and analyzing different scenarios. The system aims to aid organizations in making informed decisions and could be integrated into existing information systems. The research contributes to addressing the complex challenges of refugee resettlement and has potential societal impact.