The Regional Dimension of the Integration of Refugees and Other Migrants in Austria (project)

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The Regional Dimension of the Integration of Refugees and Other Migrants in Austria

Client/Funding Institution

Anniversary Fund of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank

Abstract

The project investigates how regional conditions shape the economic and social integration of refugees, displaced persons and other migrants in Austria. It focuses in particular on refugees from the Middle East and displaced persons from Ukraine and examines how differences in local labour markets, housing, infrastructure, access to education and childcare, social networks and other regional characteristics facilitate or hinder integration. The analysis combines two unique data sources: register-based labour market data covering the Austrian resident population and several waves of the FIMAS longitudinal survey of refugees and displaced persons in Austria. These data are enriched with detailed information on regional economic and social conditions. The quantitative analysis is complemented by focus group discussions with Syrian and Afghan refugees and Ukrainian displaced persons, providing deeper insights into how regional conditions are experienced and how refugees respond to them. The project will shed light on differences in labour market entry and employment stability between displaced persons, refugees and non-humanitarian migrants, as well as on the interplay between labour market and social integration. Particular attention will be paid to the role of different types of social networks and to differences by gender and age.