Uncover the critical role of employment in refugee integration through the use of two powerful studies, revealing the uphill battle refugees face in gaining financial stability, independence, and a sense of belonging in a foreign place; discover how Glocal Roots’ job initiatives work to bridge the employment gap. 

“The inclusion of migrant populations in the labor market is probably the most significant parameter for their integration into the host society.” 

We examine two studies, by Apostolos Kapsalis and Melina Koumpou et al., to delve into the difficulties of acquiring employment as a refugee and why employment is such an important measure of integration. 

Independence relies on financial stability. For refugees, asylum-seekers and migrants, gaining access to fair and secure employment is crucial in rebuilding their independence. But in Greece, where unemployment plagues natives and foreigners alike, this goal is no small feat. 

All recognized refugees have the right to employment in Greece. However, some asylum-seekers spend months or even years in limbo while awaiting a decision. Until the end of 2019, asylum-seekers were entitled to work in Greece from the moment their application was submitted. Now, there is a sixth-month buy-in period that asylum-seekers must wait before being eligible. For undocumented or unrecognized refugees, there is a risk of exploitation. This risk is especially prevalent for female refugees and mothers: these women shoulder the responsibilities of childcare in addition to the challenges of looking for work. Women often have lower levels of formal education or professional experience, making access to the Greek labor market all the more difficult and increasing the risks of exploitation.  

Greece is an intermediary destination for many of the refugees that end up here, who often have hopes of eventually moving further north towards Germany and Switzerland. However, many people spend months or years within Greece’s borders, saving money or making plans for the future. This dichotomy produces a demographic of refugees that are ill-integrated into Greek life, often lacking essential needs for survival such as employment. 

Refugees who partook in Koumpou’s study cite language barriers, a lack of necessary documents, and discrimination as the top three obstacles preventing them from acquiring or keeping employment. Programs such as HELIOS and ESTIA II, aimed at improving language skills, access to housing and financial assistance have all ceased, leaving thousands of vulnerable people without state assistance.

Our sewing studio at Victoria Community Center in Athens works to close this gap and give refugee women in our community the opportunity to pursue financial stability and skill-acquisition, which they can take with them in their future endeavors. Also, by maintaining a regular work schedule, these women are not only able to build community and companionship with their coworkers, but also have a well-deserved confidence boost through this independence. 

At The Hub on Kos, our help desk offers assistance in securing employment opportunities, such as chaperoning visits to banks or tax offices to certify documentation, or by directly connecting employers with community members in need of a job. Last year, we were successful in placing over eighty people with employment. 

Kapsalis describes the benefit of prioritizing refugee employment as two-fold: firstly, employment opportunities have the power to gradually change the way refugees view Greece, bringing the possibility of more long-term residence here. And secondly, permanent relocation and integration boosts local economies and further employment opportunities, both for refugees and natives. 

In short, employment is one of the most important ways that refugees can properly integrate into their new home. Beyond necessities such as housing, nourishment, and safety, employment is the first and most important step refugees can take to rebuild their independence. We are proud to work with our community in helping them to accomplish this goal, and will continue to prioritize this in the future.