First five years crucial for refugee success: New study

Newswise — The primary subject of the initial document in an ongoing study conducted by the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies (CAPRS) at the University of Auckland centers around the financial circumstances of 24,894 individuals with refugee backgrounds who migrated to New Zealand from 1997 to 2020.

The research inquiry encompassed three overarching inquiries: What are the rates of refugee participation in education and utilization of state housing, which individuals continue to rely on benefits rather than being employed as time progresses, and which factors play a role in income variation over time?

The results highlight the significance of the initial five years in determining favorable economic outcomes or potential challenges. Moreover, the findings expose discrepancies in income and employment status among four distinct sub-groups: quota refugees, convention refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals who arrive through the family reunification program to reunite with their family members. Notably, quota refugees appear to experience comparatively lesser progress in economic well-being when compared to the other groups.

New Zealand annually accepts 1500 quota refugees who already possess refugee status, having demonstrated a well-founded fear of persecution prior to their arrival. Upon reaching New Zealand, these individuals undergo a comprehensive settlement program lasting five weeks in Auckland. Following the completion of this program, they are granted automatic New Zealand residency and are provided with a variety of support services encompassing healthcare, education, employment, and accommodation for a duration of up to two years.

According to Professor Jay Marlowe, the lead researcher of the study, it is logical that the data underscores the significant support requirements of quota refugees, considering that they frequently represent the most vulnerable individuals from their home countries. This group encompasses sub-categories such as "women at risk" and "medical/disabled" individuals, further emphasizing their heightened susceptibility and need for assistance.

"This indicates that the government does not selectively choose individuals who are more likely to contribute to the economy, thus making it a commendable humanitarian program that deserves recognition and celebration."

Marlowe suggests that based on the data, there is a compelling argument to extend settlement support for quota refugees from the current one or two years to a period of five years. This extended support duration aligns with the observed improvements in income levels and the increased proportion of individuals transitioning into paid employment. By extending the support timeframe, it is believed that quota refugees would have a better opportunity to achieve sustained economic progress and integration.

"The most significant transitions from welfare to employment, whether in the form of wages and salaries or self-employment, are observed within the initial five years across all groups," explains Marlowe. "However, beyond the five-year mark, these positive trends begin to stabilize and plateau."

While the research findings emphasize the necessity for additional support for quota refugee groups, Professor Marlowe clarifies that the team is not proposing a limitation of the Refugee Resettlement Strategy solely to quota refugees, as it currently stands. The intention is not to exclude other refugee categories from receiving necessary assistance and resources. Rather, the focus is on recognizing the specific needs of quota refugees and advocating for extended support while maintaining an inclusive approach to refugee resettlement.

The research highlights a notable pattern across all refugee groups, indicating positive advancements in their economic situations, albeit starting from diverse initial circumstances. This progress is particularly prominent within the initial five years of settlement. The suggestion put forth by the study is to extend support to all refugee groups, as doing so could lead to faster and improved employment outcomes. While this extension might involve higher short-term funding costs, it is believed to be economically beneficial in the long run. By providing comprehensive support to all refugee groups, the potential for enhanced economic integration and long-term prosperity is anticipated.

According to Professor Marlowe, several important factors influence job prospects for refugees, including age at arrival, duration of settlement, and gender (with women generally facing greater challenges). Any policy solutions aimed at addressing these issues should consider these factors as crucial considerations. It is important to develop targeted approaches that account for the specific needs and circumstances of individuals based on their age, length of settlement, and gender, in order to enhance job prospects and promote equitable outcomes for refugees.

The study draws upon data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), an extensive administrative data set that contains vast amounts of information regarding individuals and households in New Zealand. The IDI incorporates data from various sources, including government ministries, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and the Census. This dataset is unique in its ability to effectively link and integrate data in a manner that aligns with the specific requirements of the study, allowing researchers to access comprehensive insights and analyze trends across different dimensions.

The Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) is managed by Statistics New Zealand as a secure database that offers access to a diverse range of information, including education, employment, mental health, marital status, housing, and mobility, among other variables. This wealth of data is carefully protected and can only be accessed through permission and in secure laboratory environments. The stringent security measures ensure the confidentiality and privacy of the individuals and households included in the dataset. Researchers granted access to the IDI can leverage this comprehensive information to conduct in-depth analyses and generate valuable insights while upholding strict data protection protocols.

According to Professor Marlowe, the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) employs various identifiers such as National Health Index (NHI) numbers, passport numbers, or visa numbers, rather than relying solely on names, to link and integrate the requested data. This process allows the IDI to create a cohesive framework or "spine" that assigns a unique identifier or code to each individual. Importantly, any identifying information that could potentially disclose the individuals' identities is carefully removed or "scrubbed" from the dataset to ensure privacy and confidentiality. This safeguards the anonymity of individuals while enabling comprehensive data analysis.

“After doing the analysis you have to then send it back to Stats NZ for them to check it doesn't violate any confidentiality protocols.”

Professor Marlowe acknowledges the significant contribution of Dr. Arezeoo Malihi, his colleague and affiliated CAPRS scholar, in the research process. Dr. Malihi dedicated three years to identifying the specific population of interest, analyzing the data, and collaborating with advisory committees comprised of experts in immigration and legal fields. These committees ensured that the research team accurately interpreted the data, enhancing the reliability and validity of the study's findings. The collaborative effort and expertise from both Dr. Malihi and the advisory committees were essential in conducting a thorough and accurate analysis of the data.

Professor Marlowe emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the limitations of the study, particularly regarding the absence of data on the second and third-generation cohorts. As the research focuses on a 23-year period, it does not encompass the complete narrative and outcomes of these subsequent generations. Consequently, the study provides an insightful perspective but does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the long-term experiences and trajectories of the refugee population in New Zealand. Recognizing this limitation is crucial in interpreting the findings and considering the broader context of refugee integration and economic outcomes.

The quote by Afghan author Abbas Nazari, as you described it, conveys the idea that the first generation of refugees lays the groundwork for future generations, the second generation builds upon that foundation, and the third generation fully realizes the potential and achievements of their predecessors. It illustrates the concept of intergenerational progress and highlights the long-term impact of refugee integration and resilience. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the multi-generational nature of refugee experiences and the enduring contributions made by successive generations.

“For many people, what constitutes successful settlement is their children succeeding, rather than themselves.”

And the number of students from refugee backgrounds, even at the University of Auckland, far surpasses what we would expect relative to the general population, he notes.

“They are our future workforce, they're committed; they’re supporting their families and community, but also the wider society.”