The role of social protection structures in the economic integration of refugees: analysis of Syrian refugees in the city of São Paulo

André Cavaller Guzzi

doi:10.1590/1679-395120200031

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the role of social protection structures in the economic integration of refugees. While most of the literature on economic integration focuses on refugee access to formal workforce, this paper explores the importance of social protection in the integration process and how it paves the way for greater economic integration. This paper investigates both formal social protection structures and informal ties within immigrant communities that help refugees obtain a basic income while they are in the process of integration. Brazil has no national program for economic integration of refugees and, in terms of social protection structures, they are recipients of the same social assistance programs that are offered to the low-income population. By looking at a conditional cash transfer program, Bolsa Família, and analyzing the access and outcomes of this program for Syrian refugees in the city of São Paulo, this paper shows the limitations of providing these programs to refugees without considering their specificities. In conclusion, for a stronger economic integration, formal structures of social protection need to be more efficient and better address refugees’ needs. In order to conduct this work, I used academic and news articles, and interviewed members from the government and civil society organizations who work with refugee integration.

Highlights

This paper aims to analyze the role of social protection structures in the economic integration of refugees
In analyzing the social protection structures of refugees in the city of São Paulo, especially the Syrians, this article will argue that these structures, characterized by a rather complex combination of formal social protection and practices of collective solidarity, are usually insecure and precarious, even though they are fundamental to the economic integration of refugees
It is broadly recognized that while the right to access the labor market, through wage-earning employment and self-employment, is guaranteed by several international instruments on refugee protection and integration, refugees face several difficulties in the process of integration and as of 2019, they were still not allowed to work in 50% of asylum countries (UNHCR, 2019)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

This paper aims to analyze the role of social protection structures in the economic integration of refugees. Created in 2014, CRAI is a public facility that offers immigrants and refugees assistance related to their regularization, processes, rights and access to social services Despite all these initiatives and the legal apparatus developed by various levels of government, most of integration initiatives for refugees are developed and implemented by civil society and non-governmental organizations, with some incentives from the government (Haydu, 2011). When immigrants cannot be integrated into the formal economy either due to a lack of opportunities or because they are not able to work, the role of these organizations is more limited, and, depending on the services they offer, they can either provide some assistance (for example, shelters and meals) or help them access the social programs offered by the government, such as cash transfers.

Total immigrants and refugees in the BFP in São Paulo state

Findings

CONCLUSION