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What the Data Says About Refugee Employment

Glocal.name Research Desk · · 9 min read

Printed charts and statistics on a desk

The employment gap is a policy outcome, not a talent gap

Across OECD host countries, refugees reach employment parity with other migrants only after roughly a decade — with outcomes varying across countries and policy settings. [1] [2]

Three levers that consistently work

  1. Early labour-market access. Every month of waiting for a work permit measurably delays first employment. [3]
  2. Credential recognition. Fast-tracked recognition of foreign diplomas raises the share of skill-matched jobs. [2]
  3. Language plus job training together. Combined approaches can improve labour-market integration. [2]
Displacement does not remove skills. Administrative delay hides them.

Where to read the primary sources

  • UNHCR Refugee Data Finder — population and outcome statistics
  • World Bank Forced Displacement research programme
  • OECD Settling In indicators of immigrant integration

References

  1. [1]OECD — Indicators of Immigrant Integration: Settling In
  2. [2]World Bank — Forced Displacement
  3. [3]UNHCR — Livelihoods and economic inclusion

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