Integration of refugees: the interactive dynamics of health, education and employment

Abstract Background Host countries have a great interest in the integration of refugees to decrease spending on social welfare services, increase social coherence and secure the labour force and economic growth. While recent political trends in the Nordic countries have been focusing on “employability” as a key to integration, the outcomes from education and employment on health has been less considered. The presentation sets the scene for the Nordic comparative research on refugee children and youth and motivates the focus on the interrelatedness of health, education and employment Methods The presentation will draw on existing theories and empirical literature as well as CAGE findings from comparative quantitative analysis of register data and qualitative studies based on interviews and observations. Results Socio-economic conditions impact health through many interrelated pathways, including risk and protecting factors in both the country of birth and in the host country, as well as age at migration. But poor health may also impair education and entry into the labor market, which is particularly relevant for the refugee population. Using a life course framework, the introduction will shed light on this interrelatedness reflected in the evidence from CAGE. Since varying welfare policies may shape the integration and life chances of young refugees in the Nordic countries differently, the gain of investigating this interrelatedness through Nordic comparisons will be underscored. Conclusions Welfare policies related to refugees need to take into account the interrelations between inclusive health care, successful education and entrance into the labour markets. Adapted educational programmes to catch-up with the majority population, training of integration officers at the local level and diversity competent health services may explain successful integration and give young refugees better life chances in exile.