Labor integration of refugees in a socio-economic perspective

Institute for Population and Human Studies – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., Bl. 6, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: joannadragneva@gmail.com

Abstract

As in most European countries, as in our country, migrants have lower employment rates. However, there are differences between different groups of migrants. Refugees, as a separate and more specific migrant group, are much less integrated in the labour market. Their concentration tends to be in larger cities and regions, which creates numerous challenges for local authorities and labour markets. On the other hand, tracking the work, benefits and effects of refugee integration can support a more systematic approach to studying their labour integration based on actual activities. Given this, the purpose of this report is to emphasize the labour integration of refugees in a socio-economic perspective with a focus on the benefits of the process in the territory of Sofia. Research methods include synthesis and analysis of various sources, as well as review of the work of organizations, institutions and structures involved in the process. The results represent efforts and progress in relation to the labour integration of refugees, through cooperation and building sustainable partnerships. The conclusions show that in this way, not only policies, measures and good practices can be created to serve for the more successful integration of refugees, but also to achieve benefits and effects for the cities with their higher concentration of economic and social point of view.