EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Refugees' contribution to Europe: Netherlands

Refugees' contribution to Europe: Netherlands

Introduction

What contribution can highly educated refugees make to the labour market in the EU, and how?

Description

This report is part of a study of the contribution that refugees can make to member states of the European Union. It shows that refugees can make a positive contribution to the existing labour market. Many refugees are well educated, have accumulated relevant work experience in their country of origin, and are highly motivated. In addition, employers who have hired refugees are more than satisfied with their performance.

Conclusions

The twenty-five refugees interviewed all have competencies and skills that are relevant to the Dutch labour market, where there is a shortage of highly skilled workers.
Despite their diplomas and work experience in their country of origin, almost all of them have had to repeat all or part of their higher education in the Netherlands.
Despite this, in addition to learning the language, a specialized course or training is often necessary.
Knowledge and experience gained in the country of origin still play an important part in their current employment.
Some integration courses need to be modernized; an individualized programme is often a good alternative.
Interviewees perceived coaching, mentoring and other forms of support from within Dutch society as important.
The refugees interviewed saw resourcefulness, initiative and self-confidence as more or less essential preconditions for success.

Contact info

University Assistance Fund (UAF)
The Netherlands
http://www.uaf.nl

Publication date

01/01/2004

Researcher

Kalsbeek, W. and Bleichrodt, K.

Links

European Refugee Fund (ERF)

Refugees contribution

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Keywords

Refugees