Does Employment Status Vary by Demographics? An Exploratory Study of Former Refugees Resettled in Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study examined the associations between employment status and demographic factors of former refugees from Ethiopia, Burma, and Democratic Republic of Congo resettled in Australia. Two hundred and twenty-two participants completed a survey, following which chi square analysis was conducted. The results indicated that country of origin, gender, education, English language proficiency (i.e., speaking, reading, and writing), and length of stay in Australia, were associated with being employed. Ethiopians, who had been in Australia for a longer duration, were more likely to be employed. Participants from Burma, whose resettlement was relatively recent, were focused on upskilling themselves. Education qualifications were associated with likelihood of securing employment. A moderate level of education, compared to high or low, provided participants more chances to gain employment. These outcomes help in understanding the employment-related experiences of individuals from a refugee background. Implications and future directions are discussed.IMPLICATIONSEmployment is fundamental to successful integration of refugees. Country of origin, gender, education, English language proficiency, and length of stay are associated with employment for former refugees in Australia from Ethiopia, Burma, and Democratic Republic of Congo.Understanding these factors can assist stakeholders to better focus their efforts when working with these populations.