Restrictions on the choice of residence for recognized refugees: Residence obligations reduce the chances of labor market integration

Abstract

"The effects of residence obligations are controversial: Some expect better chances of integration into the labor market and society from an even distribution of refugees and a reduction in spatial concentration. Others suspect that information and search costs will increase and in particular people who have been distributed to structurally weak regions will have poorer integration opportunities. In the following, based on the IAB-BAMF-SOEP survey of refugees, we examine how regional residence obligations affect the employment of those affected, the acquisition of German language skills and accommodation in private apartments. Our estimation results are based on a comparison of refugees with recognized protection status who are either subject to regional residence obligations or not. They show that refugees with regional residence obligations are less likely to be in employment. This is true even when individual and regional differences are taken into account. The probability of living in private accommodation is also lower than for refugees without regional residence obligations. In contrast, the estimates do not produce any clear findings with regard to participation in integration courses and the acquisition of German language skills." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Brücker, H., Hauptmann, A. & Jaschke, P. (2020): Beschränkungen der Wohnortwahl für anerkannte Geflüchtete: Wohnsitzauflagen reduzieren die Chancen auf Arbeitsmarktintegration. (IAB-Kurzbericht 03/2020), Nürnberg, 12 p.