Abstract
In many European countries, refugees spend their first period after arrival in the receiving country in reception centers. Though this reception period has been heavily criticized, especially in relation to mental health, few scholars examined its impact on refugee integration. Since host country language learning is the main focus for most recent arrivals, this study re-examines the impact of the (renewed) reception period on both refugee mental health and host country language proficiency. Using a unique dataset including 3209 Syrian permitholders in the Netherlands, we test a structural equation model to examine those relations directly and indirectly. Results partly replicate previous findings, showing the negative impact of the number of relocations on mental health as well as the negative impact of both length of stay and relocations on host country language proficiency. Nevertheless, we did not find support for a negative relationship between length of stay and mental health. Moreover, the image of the reception period is not as gloomy as before; activities asylum seekers can engage in during their stay is positively related to both mental health and host country language proficiency. The relationships between both relocations and activities and host country language proficiency can partially be explained by mental health. These results indicate that the reception period can be seen as both an obstacle and a facilitator. Since the context of reception is a post-migration stressor, these findings should inform receiving societies and inspire them to accommodate their refugee reception accordingly, ensuring a smooth(er) start for future refugees.
Highlights
Investigating potential obstacles and facilitators concerning integration among refugee groups has been of continuous academic, political, and societal interest
Though no empirical evidence exists for a direct relationship between the number of relocations and host country language proficiency, we argue a similar negative relationship can be expected for more relocations as for a lengthy stay
With this study conducted in the Netherlands among a representative sample of 3023 Syrian permitholders, we contributed to the existing literature in three ways: (1) we provided insight in Syrian refugees’ first phase after arrival by focusing on the impact of the reception period on mental health and host country language proficiency, (2) due to the nature of our data we were able to estimate these relationships more accurately than before, and (3) we simultaneously examined three aspects of the reception period among a new group of refugees
Summary
Investigating potential obstacles and facilitators concerning integration among refugee groups has been of continuous academic, political, and societal interest. Though there is a large body of research on migrants’ integration, findings may not be transferred to refugees, who face particular challenges. Previous research has shown the existence of the “refugee entry effect”: due to forced migration and the context of reception, refugees start their life in the host country at a disadvantage compared with other migrants (Bakker et al, 2017; Connor, 2010). Though often especially disadvantageous for refugees due to their increased vulnerability, several studies have shown the importance of the first years after arrival in enabling further integration. Stevens (1999) illustrates this in her study by showing the learning curve tends to be steep during the first years after arrival and foundations for further improvements are laid Though often especially disadvantageous for refugees due to their increased vulnerability, several studies have shown the importance of the first years after arrival in enabling further integration. Ghorashi (2005) claims that the first years in the receiving country are potentially the most essential for future success. Stevens (1999) illustrates this in her study by showing the learning curve tends to be steep during the first years after arrival and foundations for further improvements are laid
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