Influx Of Refugees Research Articles

Dynamics of Social Identities and Contemporary Citizenship Discourses of the Matuas in India’s Bengal

Originally from the dalit Namasudras in eastern Bengal, Matuas were concerned with their own community development until they got actively involved in nationalist politics in British India. After partition, many Matuas settled in India’s Bengal—West Bengal—following their leader Pramatha Ranjan Thakur. But this Indian state was then suffering from acute resource shortage. So, accommodating the recurring refugee influx, mostly Namasudra-Matuas, led to rehabilitation outside the state. Thus, their caste concerns became suppressed by the necessity for permanent settlements and livelihood graduating into the recognition of Indian citizenship. The Government of India launched the Citizenship Act 1955, various rules and amendments thereto several times to tackle the discourses between refugeehood and citizenship of the Matuas. CAA 2019 and CAR 2024 tried to fulfil the Matuas’ prolonged demand for Indian citizenship but failed due to some conditions. This article seeks to investigate to what extent the social identities of the Matuas of West Bengal stand in intersections with the discourses of Indian citizenship. This is a qualitative article based on exploration of different legal documents on Indian citizenship, in the backdrop of various social and political imperatives. This approach of this article helps the readers to understand how the political parties are intertwined with the making, un-making and re-making of the social identities of the Matuas in West Bengal in different ways with the careful considerations of their electoral dividends and how these Matuas become mature enough to respond to them democratically with their evolutionary experiences.

Same, same but different? A Discourse Network Analysis of the EU’s framings of refugee arrivals in 2015 and 2022

ABSTRACT The European Union (EU) experienced two major instances of refugee influx: in 2015, refugees, mainly from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq fled civil war, persecution, and dire conditions in neighbouring countries and in 2022, Ukrainians fled from Russia’s full-scale invasion. Fusing theoretical insights on framing and crisification of migration, we ask: How do EU actors frame situations of refugee mass influx? Employing a Discourse Network Analysis, we examine EU representatives’ framing of both instances with respect to three analytical foci: (1) who or what they considered to be in crisis, (2) their framing of refugees; and (3) who they saw to be responsible for solving the crisis. We show how, in 2015, EU representatives framed mass displacement predominantly as a crisis at and of Europe’s borders, and refugees as threats to Member States’ public, economic and cultural security. In contrast, in 2022, crisis framings are almost absent or pertain to Ukraine’s – and by extension the EU’s – security. Ukrainian protection seekers are framed as ethnically and culturally similar and their protection as a humanitarian imperative. Our analysis empirically substantiates debates about double standards in refugee governance and draws attention to actor constellations and the factors that shape crisification of mobility.

Attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees: insights from the literature

The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation in February 2022 prompted a significant influx of Ukrainian refugees into neighboring European countries. Comparative analyses have revealed that Ukrainian refugees generally received more favorable public reception compared to other groups, such as Syrians. This difference has been attributed to the perceived proximity and spillover risk of the war, as well as shared cultural values with Western countries. However, while initial sympathy towards Ukrainians is evident, concerns about economic implications and long-term costs may erode support over time. This highlights the need for sustained inquiry beyond war related empathy and cultural values. In response, this study calls for an in-depth exploration of refugee attitudes, recognizing the multifaceted nature of public opinion. Such understanding is essential for informing policymaking aimed at effectively supporting displaced populations and for fostering a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of current European responses to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. This paper critically reviews existing literature on public attitudes towards immigrants and refugees, identifying key themes and proposing avenues for future research.

Hospitalizations and deaths among people coinfected with HIV and HCV

Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant public health challenge. This retrospective, population-based study assessed the trends in hospitalization rates among patients co-infected with HCV and HIV in Poland in 2012–2022, encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic and massive influx of war refugees from Ukraine, the demographics and clinical characteristics among hospitalized patients, including in-hospital case fatality rates. Most hospitalized patients were over 40 years old (mean ± SD: 41.7 ± 8.9 years) and were men (74%). The mean annual hospitalization rate was estimated at 1.33 per 105 and was three-fold lower in the pandemic period (mean 0.51 per 105) than in the pre-pandemic era (mean 1.63 per 105). In turn, the in-hospital case-fatality rates increased during the pandemic in men (from a mean of 1.83 to 3.93) but not in women (a mean of 1.53 in both periods). There was no significant increase in hospitalization rates in 2022, during which the significant inflow of war refugees in Ukraine occurred. The epidemiological situation of people (co)infected with HIV and HCV in Poland requires further monitoring, though it did not escalate in the studied period due to the influx of war refugees from Ukraine.

Fairweather Cosmopolitans: Immigration Attitudes in Latin America During the Migrant Crisis

Abstract What explains voter attitudes toward immigration in Latin America? This article argues that increased refugee arrivals moderate the impact of social identities on immigration attitudes. We propose that informational cues associated with increased immigration make cosmopolitan identities less important—and exclusionary national identities more important—determinants of immigration preferences. Analyzing 12 Latin American countries from the 2017–2022 wave of the World Values Survey, we demonstrate that cosmopolitanism is positively associated with pro-immigration attitudes, but only in countries experiencing low-to-moderate refugee inflows. Conversely, nationalism is negatively associated with pro-immigrant attitudes, and increasingly so as refugee inflows increase. The uneven distribution of refugee migration has therefore reshaped public opinion in Latin America by moderating the effects of competing social identities (i.e., cosmopolitanism and nationalism). These findings contribute to broader debates on the behavioral impacts of immigration by highlighting an indirect mechanism by which increased immigration may generate anti-immigrant hostility.

Social cohesion among Syrian and Turkish children, adolescents, and young adults in Turkey

AbstractTurkey has received a large influx of Syrian refugees since the start of Syrian civil war in 2011. Integration and social cohesion have become important issues for public policy in Turkey. We study social cohesion among young Turkish nationals and Syrian refugees. Our study sample comprises of adolescents and young adults (12–30 years), and children (6–11 years) who participated in events of the “Education Program for Syrian Refugees and Host Communities” (BILSY) program conducted by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ). Social cohesion among adolescents and young adults is measured along three dimensions: sense of belonging, trust, and relational capacity. For children, we use behavioural games to measure two dimensions of social cohesion – altruism and trust. Our results show high social cohesion for both age groups, though lack of trust among Turkish nationals towards Syrian nationals is an area of concern. We also evaluate the impact of participation in BILSY program events using a randomised design and find that it had no impact on social cohesion. Our article adds to the limited literature on social cohesion among children and youths in countries affected by forced displacement.

India's response to the Myanmar crisis: A reluctant neighbor

AbstractThis article examines India's response to the crisis in Myanmar, which political turmoil, human rights violations, and refugee influxes have characterized. The crisis has posed significant challenges for neighboring countries, particularly India, due to its geographical proximity and historical ties. The primary objective is to examine India's response to the Myanmar crisis, focusing on the complexities and nuances that have shaped its approach. The study analyzes India's policies, diplomatic engagements, and domestic considerations, highlighting the factors contributing to its reluctance to adopt a strong stand on the crisis. By evaluating India's response, the article aims to provide insights into the regional dynamics and the implications for India and Myanmar.

Health workers’ perceptions on refugees’ access to healthcare and right to health in Turkiye

Abstract In Turkey, over the past decade, the influx of refugees has significantly influenced migration policy and consequently, health policy for refugees, shaping the perspectives of healthcare workers towards refugees. To gauge healthcare workers’ perceptions regarding refugees’ access to healthcare and their right to health, a survey was conducted across three hospitals in two cities (n = 547). The drop-collect methodology was used, obtaining consent in advance. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were classified into four groups: doctors (n: 139), nurses and midwives (n: 201), other healthcare professionals (n: 58) and non-healthcare professional (n: 137). Additionally, twelve people who did not want to disclose their profession were excluded from the statistics when comparing responses by profession. According to HCWs’ experiences, the most common obstacles faced by refugees included language barriers due to not knowing Turkish, the absence of interpreters in hospitals, cultural disparities, and financial constraints. Among HCWs, 89.8% (n = 491) believe that health constitutes a fundamental human right, yet only 55.8% (n = 305) advocate for free emergency services for all. Furthermore, 43.1% express concerns that providing healthcare to refugees might attract more refugees, and 38% suggest that only individuals deemed healthy through health screening upon entry should be permitted into the country. Responses to inquiries about the prevalent issues varied across cities and occupational groups. Despite the majority of HCWs adopting a right-based approach to health, it is evident that some lean towards a deservingness perspective regarding refugees’ access to healthcare. Consequently, there is a pressing need for collaboration among various sectors to furnish adequate information and training for HCWs on migrants’ rights and prejudice. This should be a part of migration policy, leading to a more migrant-friendly health system. Key messages • Collaboration among diverse sectors is urgently needed to provide healthcare workers with thorough information and training on the rights of migrants and addressing prejudice. • Implementing training programs for healthcare workers as a component of migration policy is essential for building a migrant-friendly healthcare system.

Russian-Ukraine War and its Impact on the European Economy

This study examines the impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy of Europe, concentrating on trade disruptions, energy security, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, and the socioeconomic ramifications of the war[1]induced refugee crisis. This study employs the descriptive research design, qualitative research method and a secondary source of data collection. The research uncovers the problems and possibilities coming from the war, as well as the larger implications for economic growth, development, and stability in the area. The results reveal severe interruptions to commercial links between European nations, especially Russia, and Ukraine, with key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture facing considerable disruptions. Energy security emerges as a significant worry, spurring attempts to diversify energy sources and lessen dependence on Russian supply. Meanwhile, the war has resulted in a drop in FDI inflows to Russia and Ukraine, aggravating economic concerns in both nations and hurting their growth prospects. Furthermore, the research shows the burden on social welfare systems in European nations hosting migrants, since the inflow of refugees exerts great demands on resources and capabilities. Investments in housing, health care, education, and social welfare are vital for satisfying the different needs of displaced people and facilitating their long-term integration into society. However, issues connected to social cohesiveness, community connections, and political dynamics within host nations also occur. The study recommends diplomatic resolution of the dispute through peaceful discussions, involving European Union (EU) member states- Russia, Ukraine, and other parties. This could involve neutral mediation, de-escalating initiatives, and confidence-building measures.

Nurses' strategies for coping with stress in the face of the influx of war refugees from Ukraine to Poland.

Russian military's incursion into Ukraine sparked the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. As Ukraine's neighboring country, Poland became the primary destination for these refugees. Ukrainians staying in Poland under the EU's Temporary Protection Directive receive humanitarian support similarly to asylum seekers, but the legal pathways, length of stay and integration processes differ significantly as the Directive provides for more immediate, collective protection without the complexity of individual asylum applications. The influx of war refugees generates extremely complex situations that health personnel, especially nurses, must face on a daily basis. Identify whether and to what extent the emergence of a large number of patients with war-related experiences constituted a source of stress for nurses, and how Polish nurses coped with this issue. A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2022 in Białystok, Poland. It included 473 certified nurses working in hospitals affiliated with the District Chamber of Nurses in Białystok. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) questionnaire and Mini-COPE inventory (Polish version of Carver'a BriefCOPE inventory were used in the study. The average stress level among nurses was moderate, with nearly equal proportions of nurses experiencing low, medium, and high stress levels. Nurses who had contact with refugees in the last six months and/or helped them, did not present an increased level of stress - on the contrary, this level was lower. Nurses who helped refugees at work more often used a planning strategy in stressful situations, and less frequently reacted to stress using humour, religion, denial or venting. The greater workload and more frequent contacts between Polish nurses and Ukrainian war refugees were a factor increasing work fatigue, but, paradoxically, at the same time reducing the level of stress in a situation giving the feeling of a duty well fulfilled. Empowering nurses through greater autonomy and fostering supportive work environments, especially in crisis situations like the care of war refugees has a positive impact on coping with stress.

Forced Migration and Violent Crime: Evidence from The Venezuelan Exodus to Brazil

Does increased exposure to forced migration affect violent crime rates in developing host countries? To answer this question, we exploit the unprecedented inflow of Venezuelans to Brazil. Contrary to fears propagated by the anti-immigration rhetoric, our two-stage least squares estimates reveal that the sudden influx of refugees did not affect violent crime in which natives were victimized. In fact, our results suggest that forced migration only increased violent crime involving Venezuelan victims. Victimization of migrants seems to have increased at a slower pace than their presence in the host country. Yet, it was concentrated among young males between the ages of 15 and 39 living in the border region of Brazil with Venezuela. Evaluating the causal impacts of forced migration in a developing context is crucial to providing governments and international agencies with rigorous evidence to support policy decisions. In the absence of the latter, public perception can play a key role as host populations may pressure authorities for anti-immigration policies based solely on perceptions. Moreover, violence hinders migration’s documented long-term benefits by imposing high economic and social costs.

Experiences and challenges of refugees from Ukraine in accessing healthcare and social services during their integration in Lithuania.

The influx of Ukrainian refugees to Lithuania due to the ongoing conflict has created substantial challenges in healthcare and social services. To identify the key challenges faced by Ukrainian refugees in accessing healthcare and social services in Lithuania. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 22 Russian-speaking female Ukrainian refugees residing in various regions of Lithuania. Data were collected between July and October 2022 and analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis to identify key themes related to healthcare access, social services, and integration. Refugees reported significant barriers, including language difficulties, long waiting times for healthcare services, and inconsistent access to social services, particularly in smaller municipalities. Despite access to free healthcare, the quality and timeliness of services were often inadequate, exacerbating challenges for those with pre-existing health conditions. Psychological support services were underutilized, and language barriers impeded access to both healthcare and employment opportunities. Coordination between social and healthcare services was lacking, creating further difficulties for refugees in navigating essential services. While Lithuanian authorities have provided critical support, significant gaps remain in healthcare access and social service coordination. Urgent improvements are needed in language support, psychological care, and healthcare accessibility, particularly in smaller municipalities. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to services for all refugees. Future research should include more diverse refugee populations to guide comprehensive policy development.

Multiple faces of labour market segmentation within the Turkish construction industry

Abstract This study explores labour market segmentation within the Turkish construction industry, in a developing country context characterised by refugee influxes and heightened earthquake risks. We apply statistical and regression analyses using 2002–2020 Household Labour Force Survey data to explore segmentation with a specific focus on payment, job type and social security enrolment. The findings reveal a segmented labour market where the progress in regular, permanent and registered employment in the 2000s failed to encompass most construction workers. Lower wages, and temporary and unregistered work are more common among the youngest and oldest workers, those with poor education and qualification levels, immigrants, and those employed by micro enterprises. The construction industry lags behind both manufacturing and services in terms of registered and permanent employment rates and average wages. The prevalence of workers in elementary jobs with little education highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring a highly skilled workforce, while reconstruction activities in earthquake-prone zones and the demand for urban transformation in Türkiye are increasing. We argue that improvements in working conditions constitute an urgent restructuring component in the sector for elevating the status of construction jobs, addressing the shortage of skilled labour and ensuring a high-quality building stock that upholds the right to a secure life in Türkiye.

Modelling scenarios for water supply and sanitation technologies in Jordan

The influx of refugees, population growth and current agricultural practices have led to an increase in water demand in Jordan, placing pressure on existing water provision. Climate change further exacerbates declining water availability. Against this backdrop, the techno-economic feasibility of four water supply and sanitation alternatives for small and medium scale cities in Jordan were explored, using local unit costs and Al-Mafraq as a case study. City level piped network combined with household rooftop rainwater harvesting and surface runoff collection into local ponds and piped networks with treatment using the nature-based solution of root-zone for sanitation were demonstrated to provide the highest benefits in terms of cost, convenience and water conservation. Our work highlights the need to invest in long-term urban infrastructure networks to promote sustainable future growth of cities. This is vital to address severe water scarcity challenges that ultimately impact those at the urban fringes most.

Unravelling the multi-level governance of Ukrainian refugee reception in Italy: a focus on small and medium-sized cities

ABSTRACT The article suggests a shift in the understanding of the established concepts of battleground, local turn and governance decoupling, all of which have strongly influenced the framework of immigrant integration scholarship. It does so by looking at the puzzle of the reception of Ukrainians in Italy from the perspective of multi-level governance (MLG), which made it possible to identify the activism of small and medium-sized cities in contrast to the inefficiencies of the central government. Previous research has not adequately examined grassroots responses within the MLG framework, leaving a gap in understanding the interplay between local mobilisation and national policies. Despite the (seemingly) cooperative multi-level response to Ukrainian refugees, there have been numerous delays and poor performance in reception, resulting in smaller localities bearing the brunt of the challenges of the refugee influx. This research draws on 40 semi-structured interviews with representatives of third-sector organisations, local authorities and national agencies.

The portrayal of Rohingya refugees in Indonesian news media: A corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis

This research investigated the representation of Rohingya refugees stranded in Aceh province in the Indonesian news media during the four-year crisis between 2020 and 2023. The study aimed to examine how Rohingya refugees were represented in the media during the crisis using the Critical Discourse Analysis and the Discourse Historical Approach (DHA). The research employed a mixed method analysis to analyse the corpus data of 46,769 words extracted from 62 news articles published in two mainstream Indonesian publications, namely the regional Serambi Indonesia and the national Jakarta Post, between June 24, 2020, and March 27, 2023. Using corpus linguistics and Van Dijk’s CDA, the research uncovered four prominent argumentation strategies used in the media to portray the refugee crisis. Serambi Indonesia and the Jakarta Post utilised the Humanitarianism and Administration argumentation the most, concentrating on precarious conditions and efforts to handle the influx of refugees. Nevertheless, the local daily Serambi Indonesia used some Threat/Danger argumentation, portraying refugees as dangers and threats to local safety. The study further reveals how the media’s alignment with the government agenda is decisive for the press to construct public narratives. The narrative is expected to influence people’s attitudes and behaviours toward refugees in the province of Aceh.

The role of the European Union’s securitisation policies in exacerbating the intersectional vulnerability of refugees and asylum seekers

ABSTRACT This article compares the European Union's (EU) reception and resettlement of European and non-European refugees and asylum seekers from an intersectional viewpoint. It does so using data collected during fieldwork in Greece focusing on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The goal is to examine, through an empirical and theoretical study, the gendered, racialised, national and religious nature of the EU's approach to its external policies, border security approaches and its constitutive nature based on contingent, relational and non-additive vulnerabilities and inequalities that have been inherited from the EU's colonial past. The study asks how the influx of refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine exemplifies the gendered, racialised, national and religious dimension of the EU's approach to border security. It examines how the EU's approach showcases the paternalistic approach to refugees' vulnerability through essentialisation, which leads to their vulnerabilisation. It looks at the intersectional impact of the gendered, racialised, national and religious constitutive nature of non-European refugees, as well as the gendered, racialised, national and religious notion of ‘others'. Based on the comparison, the article contends that, theoretically, State or EU security and human security policies should not be mutually exclusive. However, as the empirical data illustrate, there are multiple competing ‘insecurities’ which are prioritised over others.

Healthcare delivery in Lebanon: a critical scoping review of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats

BackgroundLebanon, an Eastern Mediterranean country with a lower-middle income status, that once boasted a health care system that was functional despite its challenges and complexity. However, it has faced a series of crises—economic, an influx of refugees, political instability, and recent sanctions—that have significantly impacted its aim, principles and values that has impacted upon its ability to function. The objective of this study is to delve into the health service delivery within the Lebanese system and conduct a SWOT analysis (assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats).MethodsWe conducted a scoping review, examining literature related to the Lebanese health system and its performance in delivering healthcare services. We followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework, which involves six key phases: identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, collating, summarizing, and reporting the results, consultation.ResultsDespite Lebanon grappling with multiple crises in recent years—such as the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn—the health system has demonstrated resilience in service delivery. However, challenges persist. Healthcare providers, including physicians and nurses, must address these issues. Additionally, economic and political crises pose threats that have necessitated significant changes in healthcare service delivery.ConclusionIn the system of healthcare in Lebanon, there have been remarkable achievements, but continuous attention by healthcare providers and the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is critical. Economic and political challenges exert constant pressure on service delivery and thus reveal a need for strategic changes, most importantly in health financing if Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is to be attained. Proper resources to strategic reform and system implementation in all parts of the country to ensure equitable access and quality care that is sustained are obligatory.

Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Refugees in the Czech Republic and Poland

Abstract One of the most immediate effects of the Russian war against Ukraine was the unprecedented influx of Ukrainian refugees in some countries. This article analyzes temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees in two countries—the Czech Republic and Poland, which represent the countries most exposed to immigration from Ukraine. The authors compare the political and legal response of both countries to the institute of temporary protection to reveal similarities and differences in the scope, tools, and nature of temporary protection, including causes and consequences. Both countries go beyond the minimum standards set in the EU Temporary Protection Directive and differ in their approach to its implementation. The authors claim that although the concept of temporary protection has expanded with the current situation, it allows significant benefits in allowing fast-track integration into the labor market, which aligns with the concept of refugees’ “deservingness.” However, the duration of temporary protection is a major limitation to refugees’ integration due to the emphasis on voluntary return to the country of origin.

Roles, Objectives, and Structural Framework of the East African Community Regional Force's Intervention in Managing the Democratic Republic of Congo's Intractable Intra-State Conflict

The protracted new generation warfare in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the intervention by the EAC Regional Force are indicative of the need for comprehensive security strategy and the vitality of regional efforts. Intra-state conflicts in eastern DRC have been protracted since its independence in 1960. The conflicts have varied from political, ethnic to resource use-based. They have rendered the Eastern part of the country ungovernable and contributed to a huge influx of refugees into neighbouring countries as well as millions of internally displaced persons. This paper sought to investigate the Roles, Objectives, and Structural Framework of the East African Community Regional Force’s Intervention in Managing of DRCs intractable intra-state conflict. The paper is anchored on interpretivism research philosophy and buttressed by neo functionalism theory to explain the interplay of its variables. The study adopted two research designs- descriptive survey and historical longitudinal research designs. The target population was 297 from which a sample of 177 was derived. Sampling techniques included census, simple random, snowballing and purposive sampling. Primary data were collected using an interview guide and questionnaire. Analyses of quantitative data were conducted utilizing descriptive statistics, including percentages and frequencies. Version 28 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized to conduct the analysis. The findings were visually represented through the use of tables, pie charts, photographs, and graphs. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis, which involved an examination of aspects of the information gathered through open-ended queries, interviews, and observation. Findings of this paper indicated that East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) major role is military coordination of 85(56.66%) of the respondents, rapid deployment of troops is 40(25.66%) while capacity to respond in Crisis is 25(16.66%). However, military coordination challenges occur as a result of intervening state interests in the DRC conflict, therefore, deployment of these troops in DRC is seen as a ploy to undermine conflict management efforts. The paper concludes that EACRF's efforts to restore peace and security in the DRC have been hampered by inadequate personnel deployment structures. This could potentially result in their overall responsibility being limited to peacekeeping due to the presence of structural capacity deficits. The EAC peacekeeping force is a multifaceted organization that, in a sense, works in tandem with various militia and military entities present in the region. The paper recommends expended role and structure for East African Community Regional Force. Besides the military and political wing, there is need to include local police and civilian’s role to effectively and comprehensively manage the conflict. This means the one-year period of deployment was inadequate to realize peace in DRC.