Zitatform

Bailey, Michael, Drew Johnston, Theresa Kuchler, Martin Koenen, Dominic Russel & Johannes Stroebel (2026): The Social Integration of International Migrants: Evidence from the Networks of Syrians in Germany. In: Journal of Political Economy, Jg. 134, H. 4, S. 1159-1209. DOI:10.1086/739335

Abstract

"We use de-identified data from Facebook to study the social integration of Syrian migrants in Germany, a country that received a large influx of refugees during the Syrian Civil War. We construct measures of migrants' social integration based on Syrians' friendship links to Germans, their use of the German language, and their participation in local social groups. We find large variation in Syrians' social integration across German counties, and use a movers' research design to document that these differences are largely due to causal effects of place. Regional differences in the social integration of Syrians are shaped both by the rate at which German natives befriend other locals in general (general friendliness) and the relative rate at which they befriend local Syrian migrants versus German natives (relative friending). We follow the friending behavior of Germans that move across locations to show that both general friendliness and relative friending are more strongly affected by place-based effects such as local institutions than by persistent individual characteristics of natives (e.g., attitudes toward neighbors or migrants). Relative friending is higher in areas with lower unemployment and more completed government-sponsored integration courses. Using variation in teacher availability as an instrument, we find that integration courses had a substantial causal effect on the social integration of Syrian migrants. We also use fluctuations in the presence of Syrian migrants across high school cohorts to show that natives with quasi-random expo-sure to Syrians in school are more likely to befriend other Syrian migrants in other settings, suggesting that contact between groups can shape subsequent attitudes towards migrants." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Brücker, Herbert, Yuliya Kosyakova, Nina Rother, Sabine Zinn, Elisabeth Liebau, Wenke Gider, Silvia Schwanhäuser & Manuel Siegert (2026): Exploring integration and migration dynamics: the research potentials of a large-scale longitudinal household study of refugees in Germany. In: European Sociological Review, Jg. 42, H. 1, S. 146-163., 2025-06-23. DOI:10.1093/esr/jcaf032

Abstract

"Forced migration has intensified in the 21st century, driven by conflicts, persecution, and political instability in regions such as the Middle East, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, South-East Asia, Latin America and, most recently, Ukraine. Germany has become a primary destination for refugees within the European Union and one of the largest among the OECD countries. The IAB-BAMF-SOEP Refugee Survey, lunched in 2016, is a high-quality longitudinal household panel study that documents the arrival and integration trajectories of refugees who came to Germany during and after the 2015/16 surge. Based on a register-based random sample and conducted annually, the survey is integrated into the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) and linked to administrative data sources, allowing for population-level inference and rich longitudinal analyses. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including pre-migration biographies, flight experiences, entry and arrival procedures, legal status, and integration processes. The dataset includes approximately 22,000 individual respondents across 6,500 households, with data currently available for the years 2016 to 2022. This paper discusses the analytical potential of the dataset, highlighting areas where the data contributes to research on forced migration and refugee integration, and subsequently outlines the survey’s structure, questionnaire topics, and key descriptive statistics." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Falkenhain, Mariella (2026): 'I needed this journey': home visits in wartime as transformative events. In: Journal of Refugee Studies, S. 1-15. DOI:10.1093/jrs/feaf088

Abstract

"This article examines how Ukrainian refugees experience wartime home visits. Relying on in-depth, repeated interviews with Ukrainian refugees in Germany, the article explores a state of in-betweenness that characterizes these individuals’ lives shortly after arrival, particularly by disrupting their sense of belonging and capacity to imagine the future. During short-term home visits to Ukraine, the visitors acquire a feel for life in war that is associated with complex feelings of alienation, disillusionment, and futurelessness. This experience helps individuals overcome subjective states of the in-between and move forward in life, irrespective of the persistent structural limbo related to temporary protection. Considering migrant home visits as transformative events advances recent debates about liminality and protracted displacement. It also has important implications for longer-term processes of social inclusion." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Oxford University Press) ((en))

Zitatform

Falkenhain, Mariella & Sarah Bernhard (2026): Der Job-Turbo für Geflüchtete aus Sicht von Vermittlungsfachkräften: eine kritische Bilanz. In: Wirtschaftsdienst, Jg. 106, H. 4, S. 271-277., 2026-02-20. DOI:10.2478/wd-2026-0068

Abstract

"Mit dem Job-Turbo sollen Geflüchtete schnell und nachhaltig in Arbeit gebracht werden. Dieses Ziel erscheint ambitioniert angesichts zahlreicher struktureller Hürden. Dieser Beitrag untersucht, wie Vermittlungsfachkräfte in deutschen Jobcentern den Job-Turbo und seine operativen Vorgaben sowie die Rahmenbedingungen für die Vermittlung von Geflüchteten einschätzen. Es zeigt sich ein deutliches Bild: Fachkräfte lehnen den Job-Turbo mehrheitlich ab, bewerten die Ziele für die gesamte Zielgruppe als schwer erreichbar und enge Vorgaben zur Häufigkeit von Beratungsgesprächen als wenig förderlich. Vermittlungsfachkräfte in spezialisierten Sonderteams sehen die Reform leicht positiver. Die Ergebnisse können für Probleme auf der Arbeitsebene der Arbeitsverwaltung sensibilisieren und sind relevant für die Nachhaltigkeit der Reform." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Fuchs, Michaela, Georg Sieglen & Birgit Fritzsche (2026): Schutzsuchende auf dem Arbeitsmarkt in Sachsen-Anhalt. (IAB-Regional. Berichte und Analysen aus dem Regionalen Forschungsnetz. IAB Sachsen-Anhalt-Thüringen 04/2026), Nürnberg, 46 S. DOI:10.48720/IAB.RESAT.2604

Abstract

"Die Zuwanderung von Schutzsuchenden – also Menschen, die in Deutschland einen Antrag auf Schutz aus völkerrechtlichen, humanitären oder politischen Gründen gestellt haben – ist seit 2015 stark gestiegen. Ihre Integration in den Arbeitsmarkt ist von zentralem Interesse, denn die Ausübung einer bezahlten Tätigkeit ermöglicht ihnen wirtschaftliche Unabhängigkeit und soziale Teilhabe. Die Studie gibt daher einen Überblick über die Situation von Schutzsuchenden auf dem Arbeitsmarkt in Sachsen-Anhalt. Der Schwerpunkt liegt dabei auf dem Erreichen einer Beschäftigung als zentralem Indikator für wirtschaftliche Integration und soziale Teilhabe. Weiterhin wird die Situation der Frauen gesondert betrachtet. Schutzsuchende stellen in Sachsen-Anhalt Ende 2024 mit 79.270 Personen rund 4 Prozent der Gesamtbevölkerung. Dabei sind Männer und Personen im erwerbsfähigen Alter in der Mehrheit. Obwohl die Beschäftigung von Schutzsuchenden in den letzten Jahren stark gestiegen ist, machen sie mit 13.330 Personen nur 2 Prozent aller sozialversicherungspflichtig Beschäftigten aus. Viele von ihnen haben keinen Berufsabschluss, was mit einem hohen Anteil an Tätigkeiten auf Helferniveau einhergeht. Sie sind zudem in einem sehr engen Berufs- und Branchenspektrum tätig mit Schwerpunkten auf Verkehr und Logistik sowie Lebensmittel und Gastgewerbe, die teils zu den Engpassberufen und systemrelevanten Berufen zählen. In geringfügiger Beschäftigung und in Berufsausbildung sind wesentlich weniger Schutzsuchende gemeldet. Analysen zum individuellen Übergang in den Arbeitsmarkt betonen, dass es Zeit braucht, bis die Schutzsuchenden in Beschäftigung gelangen. Drei Jahre nach dem erfassten Datum der Einreise haben 28 Prozent der hier betrachteten Kohorte das erste Mal eine sozialversicherungspflichtige Beschäftigung aufgenommen, nach sechs Jahren waren es 54 Prozent. Dabei existieren große geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede, denn nach sechs Jahren zeigte sich für 68 Prozent der Männer und für 22 Prozent der Frauen ein erstmaliger Übergang in Beschäftigung. Betrachtet man die Nachhaltigkeit der ersten Beschäftigung und damit eine Beschäftigung, die über mindestens sechs Monate lang besteht, verringern sich die Übergänge. Es bedarf damit weiterer Anstrengungen, um die Schutzsuchenden auf dem Weg in den Arbeitsmarkt zu begleiten." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Goßner, Laura, Philipp Jaschke & Yuliya Kosyakova (2026): The effect of health on refugees' labor market integration: Evidence from a natural experiment in Germany. In: PLoS ONE, Jg. 21, H. 4, 2026-04-06. DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0346936

Abstract

"This paper analyzes the role of health for refugees’ integration into host countries’ labor markets. We exploit the quasi-random dispersal policies of refugees across regions in Germany to analyze the causal effect of health on employment. Based on regional and temporal heterogeneity in a policy adoption that provided earlier access to healthcare services through electronic health cards (eHCs), combined with the regional availability of healthcare services and pre-migration health status, we construct instrumental variables (IVs) providing plausibly exogenous variation in refugees’ post-arrival health status. Our results reveal that favorable physical health (PCS) improves refugees’ employment probability. Favorable mental health (MCS) increases only females’ employment rates, although this effect must be scrutinized due to weak instruments. Regarding potential mechanisms, we provide evidence that better health increases language course participation and German language proficiency for female refugees." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Gundacker, Lidwina, Laura Hertner, Nora Kühnert, Ramona Rischke, Simon Ruhnke, Nader Talebi, Caroline Trocka & Herbert Brücker (2026): Transnational Perspectives on Migration and Integration – TRANSMIT Surveys of Syrian Nationals and Their Neighbors in Lebanon and Turkey (2019–2023). In: Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik, Jg. 246, H. 1-2, S. 181-192., 2024-12-18. DOI:10.1515/jbnst-2024-0091

Abstract

"Migration scholars commonly study international migration and socio-economic integration separately, typically focusing on a single receiving country in the Global North. The TRANSMIT project adopts a transnational perspective, studying key migration routes to Europe via large-scale surveys among Syrians and their host communities in two major countries of mixed-migration contexts, namely Lebanon and Turkey. Both countries, in addition to their own history of emigration, host large refugee populations. The surveys cover both migration biographies and aspects of the socioeconomic participation of Syrian nationals. Surveying the host populations in equal terms allows researchers to examine local contexts and group differences." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © De Gruyter Brill) ((en))

Zitatform

Gundacker, Lidwina (2026): Refugee journeys and the erosion of pre-migration human capital: a sequence-analysis approach to post-migration trajectories. In: Advances in life course research, Jg. 68, 2026-04-10. DOI:10.1016/j.alcr.2026.100741

Abstract

"More than a decade ago, refugee immigration prominently returned to Europe’s political agendas, sparking interest in the factors shaping refugees’ economic and societal participation. Adopting a life course perspective, this study addresses the conflicting views in sociology of migration on the importance of pre-migration capital for refugees’ post-migration trajectories. While some argue that human capital is accumulated over the life course and retains its value after migration, others describe forced migration as a disruptive event that may severely diminish these resources. Drawing on rich survey and administrative employment data, this article employs sequence analysis combined with cluster analysis to identify typical integration trajectories of refugee women and men in Germany. In multivariate analyses, I demonstrate that pre-migration human capital is associated with a higher likelihood to enter education and employment, underscoring the enduring relevance of resources acquired prior to migration. Straining journeys can, however, reduce available resources after arrival: for individuals reporting long and traumatizing journeys, human capital effects partly disappear. The results highlight the important role of refugee migration experiences that are often neglected in both scholarly and political discourses on integration outcomes as well as migration and integration policies." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd.) ((en))

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Jaschke, Philipp, Yuliya Kosyakova & Simon Wagner (2026): Beschäftigungsquoten der ukrainischen Geflüchteten unterscheiden sich regional deutlich. In: IAB-Forum – Grafik aktuell H. 17.02.2026. DOI:10.48720/IAB.FOO.GA.20260217.01

Abstract

"In Deutschland ist durchschnittlich rund ein Drittel der Geflüchteten aus der Ukraine im dritten Jahr nach dem Zuzug in Beschäftigung – die Werte in den einzelnen Bundesländern liegen zum Teil deutlich darunter oder darüber." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Jestl, Stefan & Marina Tverdostup (2026): Labour market entry and integration of refugees in Austria. In: International Journal of Manpower, Jg. 47, H. 2, S. 306-344. DOI:10.1108/ijm-12-2024-0846

Abstract

"Purpose: This paper examines the labour market entry and integration of refugees and other (nonhumanitarian) migrants from middle- and low-income non-European countries who arrived in Austria between 2014 and 2016. Design/methodology/approach: Using rich administrative data that track the complete population of these migrant groups, we analyse the factors shaping their transition into and out of the first job in Austria, describe the characteristics of their initial employment, and assess job stability over time. The longitudinal nature of the dataset allows us to follow individuals' employment trajectories comprehensively from arrival until 2021. Findings: Although refugees took longer to obtain their first job, individual, household, and local labour market characteristics influenced their transition to employment in similar ways as for other migrants. Refugees and other migrants tended to enter similar job types, predominantly in low-wage segments. However, other migrants retained their first job for a longer period. While other migrants exited marginal employment relatively quickly, refugees often remained in marginal jobs as long as in full-time or part-time positions. Entry into higher-quality jobs (i.e. full-time employment) was associated with greater job stability, whereas entry into marginal jobs was linked to job instability, particularly among refugees. Originality/value: The study goes beyond existing research that mainly measures refugee integration through employment rates. Leveraging comprehensive administrative micro-level data, it highlights the importance of the first job in shaping refugees' subsequent labour market trajectories and long-term employment outcomes in Austria." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Emerald Group) ((en))

Zitatform

Kanas, Agnieszka, Frank van Tubergen & Yuliya Kosyakova (2026): Determinants of refugees’ generalised and institutional trust: evidence from Germany. In: Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Jg. 52, H. 1, S. 85-104., 2025-05-28. DOI:10.1080/1369183x.2025.2514800

Abstract

"This paper examines the factors shaping refugees’ institutionalized and generalized trust, focusing on three key influences: (1) pre-arrival migration effects, such as experiences of trauma; (2) asylum procedure effects, including the length and outcome of the process and perceptions of fairness; and (3) post-procedure effects, particularly the context of reception. Using data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees in Germany, we find that the conditions of the asylum process and the reception context are critical determinants of refugees’ trust. Specifically, while the length of the asylum process and living in shared accommodations negatively affect institutional trust, these impacts are largely mediated by other refugee-specific experiences, such as perceptions of procedural and interactional justice. Receiving a positive asylum decision directly enhances refugees ’ trust in German institutions and other people, whereas being trapped in existential limbo severely erodes trust levels. Additionally, refugees subject to residency restrictions exhibit lower institutional and generalized trust levels than those without such limitations. These findings highlight the critical role of short and fair asylum procedures and inclusive reception policies in fostering trust among refugees, with significant implications for improving integration outcomes and social cohesion." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kosyakova, Yuliya, Andreas Ette & Silvia Schwanhäuser (2026): War beyond borders: how military conflict in Ukraine shapes refugees’ settlement intentions abroad. In: European Sociological Review, S. 1-18. DOI:10.1093/esr/jcag008

Abstract

"This study investigates whether military conflict intensities in refugees’ home regions continue to shape their lives after arrival in a safe haven. While war and local conflict are well-established drivers of initial displacement, it remains unclear whether ongoing conflict influences settlement decision once refugees have escaped the immediate threat. We address this question using longitudinal data from the IAB-BiB/FReDA-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Ukrainian refugees in Germany, linked to high-frequency conflict data from Ukraine following the 2022 Russian invasion. Our findings show that both short- and long-term conflict intensities significantly affect refugees’ intentions to settle permanently abroad, with short-term shocks exerting a markedly stronger influence. Emotional responses to acute violence appear to disrupt more deliberative planning, consistent with ecological models of refugee distress. In contrast, long-term conflict intensity effects are weaker and diminish with time spent in the host country, suggesting processes of adaptation or habituation. We also find important heterogeneity: male refugees and those migrating for economic or family reasons are particularly sensitive to conflict dynamics, whereas those with family left behind are generally less inclined to settle permanently. Contrary to expectations, prior war exposure does not moderate current settlement intentions, pointing to possible acclimatization or avoidance strategies among highly exposed individuals. Overall, our results highlight the importance of integrating both emotional and evaluative processes into sociological models of refugee decision-making. They also highlight how even after arrival in safety, evolving home-country violence continues to shape refugees’ settlement trajectories." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Oxford University Press) ((en))

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Kosyakova, Yuliya, Philipp Jaschke & Simon Wagner (2026): IAB-BAMF-SOEP-Befragung verknüpft mit BA-Beschäftigungsstatistik: Deutliche Fortschritte bei der Arbeitsmarktintegration ukrainischer Geflüchteter. (IAB-Kurzbericht 03/2026), Nürnberg, 8 S. DOI:10.48720/IAB.KB.2603

Abstract

"Der russische Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine dauert bereits fast vier Jahre an und hat seit dem 24. Februar 2022 die größte Fluchtbewegung in Europa seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg ausgelöst. Ende 2024 suchten rund 6,7 Millionen Ukrainer*innen Schutz im Ausland, davon etwa eine Million in Deutschland. Wie sich die Arbeitsmarktintegration ukrainischer Geflüchteter seit ihrer Ankunft in Deutschland entwickelt hat, zeigen Analysen auf der Grundlage von Daten der IAB-BAMF-SOEP-Befragung von Geflüchteten, die hierfür mit den Daten der Integrierten Erwerbsbiografien verknüpft wurden." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Kuhlemann, Jana & Yuliya Kosyakova (2026): Sports as a gateway – and a glass ceiling? Physical leisure and refugee employment trajectories. In: European journal for sport and society, S. 1-22. DOI:10.1080/16138171.2026.2682071

Abstract

"Diese Studie untersucht die Rolle von Sport als Freizeitaktivität für die strukturelle Integration von Geflüchteten durch die Erhöhung ihres Sozialkapitals, und der Verbesserung ihrer Sprachkenntnisse der Aufnahmegesellschaft und ihrer Gesundheit. Die durch solche Aktivitäten erworbene körperliche Fitness kann auch für das Arbeiten in körperlich anstrengenden Jobs entscheidend sein. Da Arbeitsmarktbeteiligung die soziale Integration von Geflüchteten erheblich beeinflusst, untersucht diese Forschung speziell die Auswirkungen der Intensität und Regelmäßigkeit sportlicher Betätigung auf den Arbeitsmarkterfolg von Geflüchteten aus der Flüchtingswelle von 2015/16 nach Deutschland. Anhand von Längsschnittdaten der IAB-BAMF-SOEP-Befragung von Geflüchteten zeigen die Ergebnisse, dass eine regelmäßige und intensivere sportliche Betätigung die Chancen von Geflüchteten erhöht, im Folgejahr einer Erwerbstätigkeit nachzugehen und in körperlich anstrengenden Jobs zu arbeiten. Sportliche Betätigung korreliert jedoch nicht mit höherem Berufsprestige, was Geflüchtete möglicherweise an Jobs mit niedrigerem Status bindet. Darüber hinaus zeigt sich für Zeitnutzung in anderen (nicht sportlichen) Freizeitaktivitäten eine leicht negative Assoziation mit Arbeitsmarkterfolg. Dies unterstreicht die einzigartigen Vorteile von Sport für Geflüchtete. Insgesamt weisen die Ergebnisse einerseits darauf hin, dass Sport für Geflüchtete zwar hilfreich beim Einstieg in den deutschen Arbeitsmarkt sein kann, andererseits aber ihren beruflichen Aufstieg einschränken kann." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Legewie, Nicolas M., Philipp Jaschke, Magdalena Krieger, Martin Kroh & Lea-Maria Löbel (2026): Support for everyone or selection of some? Self-selection and assignment into a large-scale refugee mentoring program in Germany. In: European Sociological Review, Jg. 42, H. 1, S. 87-102., 2025-06-23. DOI:10.1093/esr/jcaf033

Abstract

"Mentoring has become a popular support strategy for recently arrived immigrants and refugees, offering access to valuable information and resources. However, little is known about selection processes into mentoring programs—who chooses to enrol, who receives support, and whether these patterns are systematic. Such selection affects not only program evaluations but also broader issues of refugee integration and social inequality. This study addresses the gap by examining a refugee mentoring program in Germany, using data from the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees. Results offer limited evidence of self-selection based on needs in job-seeking and legal security. More pronounced selection appears during matching with mentors, where refugees with greater needs are less likely to be matched with a mentor. These patterns highlight the importance of understanding how mentoring ties are formed and suggest that volunteer-based mentoring complements, but cannot replace, more professionalized refugee support programs." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Oxford University Press) ((en))

Zitatform

Liudmyla, Yuzva & Piotr Długosz (2026): Education and the Recalibration of Pull Factors: Ukrainian Exceptionalism in Forced Migration? In: Journal of International Migration and Integration, S. 1-25. DOI:10.1007/s12134-026-01361-6

Abstract

"This article explores the migration and settlement decisions of Ukrainian refugees in Germany following the 2022 Russian invasion. Applying Everett Lee’s push–pull theory, it focuses on parents (reflecting the predominance of women travelling with children)—the largest displaced group—and investigates whether access to children’s education emerges not only as a domain of integration but asa significant pull factor within a broader constellation of drivers shaping settlement intentions. The analysis draws on original survey data collected in late 2024 (n = 1075), using an SMS-recruited online questionnaire administered across several host countries. Findings indicate that while war-related threats (e.g. bombardments, destruction of housing) were the primary push factors prompting departure from Ukraine, the decision to settle in Germany was strongly influenced by pull factors such as safety, social support, and access to schooling. Respondents in Germany were more likely to cite long-term motives—such as improved living standards and educational prospects—than those in neighbouring countries. Education emerges not only as a sphere of integration but also as a as part of an institutional bundle, especially for parents of minors. Dual-schooling models (local and Ukrainian), parental assessments of system quality, and children’s adaptation shaped settlement choices. These dynamics show the role of education in refugee agency and family strategy. The article argues that Ukrainian migration to Germany illustrates the interplay between structural pressures and personal decision-making. Push factors triggered large-scale displacement; pull factors and individual evaluations shaped longer-term trajectories. These findings contribute to migration theory by demonstrating the centrality of education in forced migration contexts and by highlighting the heterogeneity of refugee profiles within a single national cohort." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Springer-Verlag) ((en))

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Maull, Doris, Ricarda Breyton, Niklas Harder & Yuliya Kosyakova (2026): Sparkurs bei Geflüchteten - Was darf Integration kosten? Bundesinnenminister Alexander Dobrindt will Integrationskurse nur noch für Menschen mit "gesicherter Bleibeperspektive" anbieten. Welche Folgen hat das? (Podcast). (SWR Kultur), Brüssel, 45 Min.

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Méango, Romuald & François Poinas (2026): What Drives Overstay? The Case of Afghan Asylum Seekers in Germany. In: Journal of the European Economic Association. DOI:10.1093/jeea/jvag012

Abstract

"The paper is structured around three main contributions. First, it takes advantage of a unique survey on Afghan asylum seekers in Germany to provide novel descriptive insights into asylum seekers’ beliefs about their outcomes and the associated intention tooverstay. Second, it estimates asylum seekers’ perceived ex ante returns on overstaying and option values of regularisation, deportation, and experimentation. Third, it assesses and rejects the cost-effectiveness argument for assisted voluntary return policies. Instead, it estimates a sizeable willingness-to-pay of asylum seekers for investments that would guarantee their regularisation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Ryan, Louise, María López, Alessia Dalceggio & Farzana Adell (2026): ‘You Need a Network’: How Highly Skilled Refugees Build Social Networks to Convert Cultural Capital and Reclaim Professional Identities. In: Sociology, Jg. 60, H. 2, S. 388-406. DOI:10.1177/00380385251363897

Abstract

"Drawing upon social network analysis and longitudinal research with recently resettled Afghans in London, this article advances understanding of social capital in navigating upward mobility and rebuilding professional identities. Forced migration may result in the sudden rupturing of social ties (‘torn nets’) and loss of status which may undermine one’s sense of self. Even the most experienced and highly qualified professionals may face deskilling – ‘starting from zero’. While acknowledging structural barriers, and racialised discrimination, it is important to understand refugees’ strategies to rebuild careers. Building upon the ‘presentation of the networked self’, we explore the role of relationality in how professional identity is reclaimed. Social networks can be useful routes to jobs. However, we argue that the extent to which social connections may help with reclaiming one’s former career depends, partly, on forging ‘vertical ties’ with those who are willing and able to recognize and legitimate that professional status." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Baalbergen, Ids, Gideon Bolt, Yanliu Lin & Pieter Hooimeijer (2025): Arrival infrastructures and refugee enrolment in higher education. In: International Migration, Jg. 63, H. 1. DOI:10.1111/imig.13374

Abstract

"Refugees enrolling in host country higher education can improve their position in the labour market. However, little is known about the patterns underlying enrolment, and existing studies have only examined explanations at the individual level. This is problematic because opportunities to enrol in education are also dependent upon structural factors, and by ignoring this, studies run the risk of depicting non-enrolment as a consequence of individual shortcomings. We address this issue through the notion of arrival infrastructures and argue that existing infrastructures at multiple spatial scales may support or discourage enrolment. By focusing on the Netherlands, we were able to follow the enrolment of all registered refugees that arrived between 2014 and 2017 over time using registry data. We find that the accessibility of education, the municipal political climate and regional economic conditions influence educational enrolment. These findings show that dispersal policies can have detrimental effects on the social mobility of refugees." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))