Economic Adaptation of Refugees in Algeria: A Comparative Study of Syrian and Malian Emigrants’

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This study aims to compare the economic adaptations of Malian and Syrian emigrants living outside of government shelters in Algeria, and its association with their personal and occupational characteristics. Data were collected using Semi-directed interviews with 127 emigrants living in urban areas for a period of nine months (from April to December 2016). In addition, the analysis is based on the Montgomery model, which includes monthly income, best monthly pay, average hours of work per month, average monthly work per year and the number of appliances they own at home.The results show that emigrants from Syria have higher net wages and incomes, work longer days, and hold more appliances than Malian emigrants. Meanwhile, the number of working months is similar for both. Moreover, the findings indicate that Syrian men are more preferred than Malians at work. In addition, findings reveal that there is no significant difference between genders to obtain a job. According to evidences, Syrian emigrants with low education and self-employment are expected to face difficult economic adaptation. The results should help policy makers to make suitable decisions that push to raise the emigrants’ economic adaptation levels in Algeria.