Settlement Services Research Articles

Motherhood Penalty and Labour Market Integration of Immigrant Women: A Review on Evidence from Four OECD Countries

Among several reasons preventing the effective labour market integration of immigrant women, the motherhood penalty and unpaid care responsibilities stand out prominently. In line with this, the present scoping review shows how motherhood affects the labour market integration of immigrant women in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA. This review shows that parenthood exacerbates the gender pay gap and limits labour market access, favouring men with children over immigrant mothers. Moreover, the effect of the motherhood penalty might be moderated by the level of education, age of the children, and the country of origin/ethnicity of immigrants. In the four countries examined, labour market outcomes for immigrant women are particularly poor. Factors contributing to this include limited language proficiency, traditional gender norms that restrict the full-time employment of certain groups of immigrant women, and institutional barriers like work-permit processing delays. To address these challenges, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA have implemented various policies facilitating immigrant mothers’ workforce participation. These measures include language and legal-system education, subsidised childcare, and integration programmes for both mothers and children. Additionally, some programmes in Canada and the USA provide employment assistance and financial support for childcare, while Australia and the UK offer comprehensive integration and settlement services.

“It Sounds Like You Don’t Want to Help Me”: How Everyday Bordering in Settlement Services Impacts Immigrant Women in Canada

“It Sounds Like You Don’t Want to Help Me”: How Everyday Bordering in Settlement Services Impacts Immigrant Women in Canada

THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC DATA ANALYSIS IN MANAGING MEDIUM AND SMALL COMPANIES TO MAKE STRATEGIC DECISIONS AND IMPROVE PERFORMANCE: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Economic analysis plays a pivotal role in managerial decision-making processes. This analysis is predicated on deeply understanding economic forces and market factors influencing corporate strategies and decisions. This paper delves into the role of economic data analysis in managing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make strategic decisions and enhance performance. The study underscores the significance of this approach and its impact on corporate outcomes. The research analyzes annual reports from three companies: Al-Mahfaza for Mobile and Internet Financial Payment and Settlement Services Company Limited, Al-Arab for Electronic Payment Company, and Iraq Electronic Gateway for Financial Services Company. The paper concludes by drawing key findings from this analysis.

Addressing employment barriers for humanitarian migrants: Perspectives from settlement services

AbstractThis research seeks to understand the challenges faced by settlement service providers (SSPs) in assisting humanitarian migrants to secure appropriate employment. In‐depth interviews with 26 SSPs identified that current impediments to facilitating humanitarian migrants' employment related to employment support programmes; settlement service partnerships; cultural appropriateness of services; employment readiness, experience, skills and knowledge; social support and networks; and limitations of funding and service agreements. While employment is recognised as key to effective settlement, the findings of this study show that employment services are not currently a focus of settlement services, that is, most employment services delivered by settlement services were coordinated as part of job preparedness or readiness programmes. The paper argues for government to ensure financial and human resources to enable SSPs to deliver services that can formally recognise and overcome barriers to humanitarian migrants' employment.

Listening deeply to refugee background women to understand experiences of domestic and family violence in their communities to foster engagement with global support systems

ABSTRACT As trauma survivors, women and girls from refugee backgrounds face significant challenges when settling in host countries; the risk of domestic and family violence (DFV) accentuates these difficulties. Reflecting on findings from a seven-year university and industry research partnership, this article explores the etiology of DFV in women from refugee backgrounds living in non-metropolitan Australia. Drawing on action research principles and intersectional and social ecological theoretical frameworks, this study captured diverse women’s views about experiences and strategies for addressing DFV in refugee communities. Having developed trusting relationships with participants over the different study phases, the first author conducted in-depth interviews with women of refugee backgrounds, listening deeply and confirming findings with participants as they emerged. Interviews were also conducted with staff from settlement, health and specialist domestic violence services to offer a broad perspective on how best to support refugee women experiencing DFV. Key findings revealed stressors and support that impact violence, such as employment status and acculturation, and identification of who the women would trust if experiencing violence. By understanding the interweaving factors influencing women’s risk of DFV and strategies to address it, global healthcare providers will be better positioned to collaborate with refugee communities and specialist services.

Searching for settlement information on Reddit

AbstractNewcomers are using informal means to find settlement information that is also freely available through formal settlement service providers. Newcomers may seek settlement information on Reddit when the same information might be found through a settlement service provider. This study finds that several Reddit submissions can be categorized in at least one or more of the formal settlement service categories. There is some overlap between informal conversations on Reddit and formalized settlement services. However, informal spaces go beyond providing settlement information in formalized categories. These results suggest that there is scope for policymakers to take a closer look at online conversations to better understand the needs of newcomers when they are looking for information about settling in Canada before and after they arrive. There is the potential to use this information to identify service gaps and create new funded settlement service categories. There is also the potential to accurately train a machine learning model to classify new Reddit submissions and produce real‐time advice to policymakers on newcomer information needs.

Settling beyond big cities: A scoping review of the Canadian literature on immigration to rural and smaller communities

AbstractNewcomers are living and working across rural and smaller communities in Canada. However, immigration research and policy are overwhelmingly focused on large, urban centres. Responding to this knowledge gap, this article presents the results from a scoping review of the Canadian literature on immigration outside of Canada's largest cities. An analysis of 90 studies reveals several key trends in the literature related to the geographic focus and themes addressed. The results of the review demonstrate that the majority of studies focus on regions with a high population density that are in close proximity to major urban centres, thus revealing a gap in knowledge regarding settlement across more rural and northern parts of the country. Issues related to settlement services, employment opportunities, welcoming communities, public policy, infrastructure, and retention and secondary migration were the most addressed themes across the literature and represent the diversity of rural Canada. In response to these findings, we conclude with a discussion of the potential opportunities for future research and policy change.

Contested imaginaries: workfinding information practices of STEM-trained immigrant women in Canada

PurposeThis pan-Canadian study examines the information practices of STEM-trained immigrant women to Canada as they navigate workfinding and workplace integration. Our study focuses on a population of highly skilled immigrant women from across Canada and uses an information practice lens to examine their lived experiences of migration and labour market integration. As highly trained STEM professionals in pursuit of employment, our participants have specific needs and challenges, and as we explore these, we consider the intersection of their information practices with government policies, settlement services and the hiring practices of STEM employers.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with 74 immigrant women across 13 Canadian provinces and territories to understand the nature of their engagement with employment-seeking in STEM sectors. This article reports the findings related to the settlement and information experiences of the immigrant women as they navigate new information landscapes.FindingsAs immigrants, as women and as STEM professionals, the experiences of the 74 participants reflect both marginality and privilege. The reality of their intersectional identities is that these women may not be well-served by broader settlement resources targeting newcomers, but neither are the specific conventions of networking and job-seeking in the STEM sectors in Canada fully apparent or accessible to them. The findings also point to the broader systemic and contextual factors that participants have to navigate and that shape in a major way their workfinding journeys.Originality/valueThe findings of this pan-Canadian study have theoretical and practical implications for policy and research. Through interviews with these STEM professionals, we highlight the barriers and challenges of an under-studied category of migrants (the highly skilled and “desirable” type of immigrants). We provide a critical discussion of their settlement experiences and expose the idiosyncrasies of a system that claims to value skilled talent while structurally making it very difficult to deliver on its promises to recruit and retain highly qualified personnel. Our findings point to specific aspects of these skilled professionals’ experiences, as well as the broader systemic and contextual factors that shape their workfinding journey.

Правове регулювання розрахункових операцій в банківській сфері України

The article is devoted to the study of legal regulation of settlement operations in the banking sphere of Ukraine. The current state of the economy and its financial components, at a time when our state is under an aggressive military attack by the Russian Federation and the introduction of martial law in Ukraine in connection with this, necessitates a meticulous attitude to certain industries and spheres of society's life. In this context, the banking sphere and the corresponding settlement services provided by banks require special attention from the authorities, in particular through proper legal regulation, and in certain cases, its improvement. Instead, as an extremely dynamic branch of financial activity, the banking sphere requires constant scientific analysis and the search for optimal and effective directions of activity in this area. Attention was drawn to the fact that an appropriate legislative framework has been created in Ukraine, which allows ensuring the proper functioning of the banking system. At the same time, it was emphasized that in recent years the legislative framework in this area has undergone significant renewal and improvement. First of all, the formation of legislation in the banking sphere is aimed at solving the problems arising in this area and related to the instability of the state's economy caused by the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as, what is quite important, the adaptation of the legislation of our state to the legislation of the EU. At the same time, an important aspect in the context of improving the activity of banks, as a sphere that plays a key role in the development of the state's economy, is the use of modern information technologies that allow the banking system of Ukraine to integrate into the global financial space and improve the quality of settlement operations. However, in this aspect, there is a growing need to take into account security issues, which are also related to the improvement of the legal framework covering this issue.

Transforming settlement and integration services during a pandemic

AbstractSettlement services are key to Canada's success in welcoming and integrating immigrants. Offered mainly in person prior to COVID‐19 by non‐governmental agencies reliant on and regulated by government funders, services were forced online and delivered by staff working remotely. We document this transition between September 2020 and September 2021 in Ontario, Canada and the conditions that influenced it. Surveys completed by workers and managers at member agencies of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants reveal how agencies provided services and stabilized organizational resources and capacities. Their success is evident in staff satisfaction with management's responses to the pandemic. While our findings underscore the resilience of the agencies and their workforce, they also challenge many tenets of New Public Management. The survey and discussions with managers suggest that sustained and flexible funding, rapid and respectful communication between agencies and funders and collaborations with other agencies were key to overcoming pandemic challenges.

‘Stand by me’: competitive subnational regimes and the politics of retaining immigrants

ABSTRACT This article examines the pivotal role of immigration for subnational units, focusing on their efforts to retain immigrants. In the global competition for ‘wanted’ immigrants, subnational governments have developed innovative immigration-related programmes tailored to their demographic, economic, and linguistic needs. While previous research has mainly focused on the selection of international immigrants, this study delves into subnational efforts to keeping immigrants ‘in’. Using Canadian provinces as a case study, and through a qualitative content analysis of policy documents and immigration schemes, this article asks: To what extent do Canadian provinces compete to retain immigrants? The analysis reveals ‘subnational competitive immigration regimes’, wherein subnational units take policy actions to not only attract immigrants but influence or hinder their internal mobility. Downstream, provinces employ settlement and integration services to encourage retention. Upstream, provinces fine-tune their selection streams to choose migrants who are deemed more likely to stay. Policy outputs reveal how ‘wanted immigrants’ are conceptualized at the subnational level: those who can demonstrate a commitment to staying, rather than solely those who fulfil economic and demographic needs. The results shed light on the interplay between international immigration policies and immigrants’ internal mobility, and emphasize the significance of subnational policy in retaining immigrants.

Assessing the Efficacy of Canada’s Pre-Arrival Settlement Services on Immigrant Integration: A Comprehensive Analysis of the New Immigration Pre-Landing Settlement Service

Canada has the tradition of welcoming the immigrants from the diverse background. It aims to assess the efficacy of new immigrant pre-arrival settlements on immigrant integrations in Canada. Understanding the importance of immigrant integration, Canada strongly emphasizes on the pre-arrival services with the knowledge to represent the innovative approach. This research studies on the dependent variable i.e. New Immigrant Integration and independent variables i.e. duration of pre-arrival settlement, access to pre-arrival information and resources, and cultural sensitivity of pre-arrival settlement services. The researcher uses quantitative method and examine data from service providers and contemporary immigrants. The study evaluates immigrant integration based on employment rates, dialect abilities, social integration and satisfaction with settlement services. The relationship between independent and dependent variables is assessed using statistical tools i.e. multiple regression prove the hypothesis of the study. The findings in this study contribute to a deeper understanding on the efficacy of Canada's pre-arrival settlements with the evidence. It contributes the insights for the policy makers and service providers for successful immigrant integration in Canadian Society.

KEGIATAN SOSIALISASI TUKANG KEGIATAN REHABILITASI RUMAH TIDAK LAYAK HUNI KECAMATAN BALARAJA KABUPATEN TANGERANG

The construction of the Gebrak Pakumis House is part of the commitment of the Tangerang Regency Government which is managed by the Tangerang Regency Housing and Settlement Service in the renovation program for uninhabitable houses belonging to poor residents. Balaraja District, Tangerang Regency, which borders directly with DKI Jakarta Province, is one of the many destinations for migrants outside the residential areas of residents who work around the area. Residential land is getting narrower day by day because most of the area is used as residential areas, causing slum settlements to form. The Uninhabitable House Rehabilitation Activity involves builders who will carry out house construction activities. The builders still have high hopes that this Uninhabitable House Rehabilitation Activity can fully assist in renovating uninhabitable houses into habitable houses that meet the requirements. Location of outreach activities Providing information to builders about the implementation of Rehabilitation construction for Uninhabitable Houses. Preparation method, coordination, identification and verification of residents' houses included in the list of potential aid recipients (CPB), making planning drawings, socializing craftsmen, discussions. In socialization activities, more time is needed because many craftsmen still have minimal understanding of construction, although some craftsmen already have quite a lot of experience. As a result of this socialization, craftsmen understand more about implementation drawings, which in previous activities relied on experience. With the results obtained from this socialization, craftsmen need technical guidance to increase the knowledge and competence of craftsmen to ensure the implementation of Regulation of the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1 of 2023

Evaluating the effect of settlement services in South Korea: Focused on Korea Immigration & Integration Program

To improve immigrants’ integration, Korea Immigration & Integration Program (KIIP) has been delivered since 2009 in South Korea (hereafter Korea), yet little research has empirically estimated its net effect. Hence, the main aim of this study is to empirically and directly evaluate its net effect, using an Inverse-probability weighted analytical technique controlling selection bias that may distort its net effect. Utilizing the “Estimating social and economic effect of KIIP”, published by the Ministry of Justice, Korea in 2017, this study selects immigrants including participants (n = 800) and nonparticipants (n = 214). The findings indicate that the effect of KIIP is dubious. Specifically, KIIP plays a role in raising the level of naturalization of immigrants, accepting Korean culture, and satisfying their lives. However, there are statistically non-significant differences in employment, monthly income, keeping home country’s culture, social networks, Korean language skills, discrimination, and the sense of belonging to the Korean society between participants and nonparticipants. This shows both the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of KIIP. To find a way to improve integration, this study suggests strengthening advantages and offsetting disadvantages, in managing KIIP.

Moderating Effect of Central Bank of Kenya Regulations Compliance on the Relationship Between Predatory Loan Practices and Loan Performance Among Commercial Banks in Kenya

Commercial banks in Kenya play a vital role in the country's financial system. In 2023, Commercial banks contributed approximately 6.6% to Kenya's GDP. They perform a wide range of functions essential to the economy, such as accepting deposits, advancement of loans, payment and settlement services, safekeeping or custodian services, foreign exchange services, and financial advisory services, among others but the most critical function of commercial banks is acting as intermediaries between savers and borrowers, mobilizing savings from individuals and institutions and channelling these funds into productive investments by lending to businesses, governments, and consumers. The primary source of income for commercial banks is interest from performing loans. Non-performing loans arise when the borrowers fail to make the scheduled payments of principal and interest within the agreed time, usually for 90 days. Recent statistics by CBK indicate that the Kenya commercial banks’ gross non-performing loans rose to Kes 630 billion by April 2024, translating to a rise in the ratio of NPLs to Gross Loans from 14.8% in December 2023 to 16.15% by April 2024. The objective of this study was to analyze the moderating effect of Central Bank of Kenya regulations compliance on the relationship between predatory loan practices and loan performance among commercial banks in Kenya. The study applied a post-positivism research philosophy and a mixed research design. The sampling frame and unit of analysis was a list of the 39 solvent commercial banks in Kenya (CBK, 2023). The unit of response was a list of 234 managers of the 39 solvent commercial banks. A closedended questionnaire was used to collect primary data for the predictor and predict and. For triangulation, a secondary data collection sheet was used to collect secondary data for the regress and. The stability and construct validity of instrumentation was assessed using the Cronbach alpha coefficient and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficients, respectively, using data from managers of the three largest Micro Finance Banks in Kenya and based in Nairobi. After testing the data for Gaussian distribution, linearity, and independence, simple linear regression was used for inferential analysis. The study found a positive but not statistically significant influence of central bank regulations compliance on the relationship between predatory loan practices and loan performance among commercial banks in Kenya. The moderated model explained an additional 0.3% in the variations of loan performance from the un-moderated model of 58.3% to 58.8% after moderation.

A Review of the Implementation of Dispute Settlement of Indonesian Migrant Workers Placement by the Central Java Provincial Labor Dispute Settlement Service Center

A Review of the Implementation of Dispute Settlement of Indonesian Migrant Workers Placement by the Central Java Provincial Labor Dispute Settlement Service Center

Training on making processed beef for residents of the Batujajar Transit Apartment, West Bandung Regency

Meat is a nutrient-rich animal food essential for maintaining good health. Given its perishable nature, appropriate processing techniques are crucial to enhance its nutritional value and extend its shelf life. Recognizing the potential of animal-origin food processing and the entrepreneurial opportunities it presents for the community is vital. This community service program aims to educate the community, particularly residents of Batujajar Transit Apartments (Aptrans), on the production of processed meat such as shredded meat, jerky, beef sei, and beef tongue sei. The implementation method of this service includes training, mentoring, and in-depth monitoring to raise awareness about the importance of quality meat as a significant protein source for families. Additionally, it fosters independence and creativity in animal food processing, paving the way for the formation of entrepreneurial partnerships and preparing individuals to initiate businesses. This community service program is executed in collaboration with the Housing and Settlement Service and the West Java Province Housing Management and Services UPTD. The outcomes of this service include heightened creativity and independence in processed meat food preparation, as well as an improved ability to maintain nutritional intake for enhanced nutritional completeness.

ICT-Refugee: The development, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated care team to support refugee patients as they transition from temporary to permanent primary care

Upon arrival to Canada, government assisted refugees typically can access settlement services and universally funded health care; health care may be delivered through refugee health clinics, which are meant offer temporary care until patients are stable and able to transition to a permanent primary care practice (PCP). In Southern Ontario, Canada, we evaluated the development and implementation of an integrated care team (ICT-Refugee) that supports refugee patients and receiving clinics in this transition. 
 Several refugee health and service organizations partnered with the local Ontario Health Team (the regional health administrative body) to offer this program. All Ontario Health Teams have patient partners who attend strategic planning sessions and approve programming. This initiative was also guided by ICT members (see below), some of whom are refugees themselves, and who shared their perspectives on what would and would not work in their respective communities. 
 Launched in January 2022, the ICT-Refugee program includes access to an on-demand interpretation service, and the interdisciplinary ICT. Members of the team include: two discharge and intake coordinators (at refugee health clinics), a case manager, a pharmacist, three “newcomer system navigators”, and representatives from home and community care services and a refugee settlement agency. 
 To date (the program and evaluation are ongoing), the ICT has transitioned 499 patients to 15 primary care practices. All 499 patients were offered access to the ICT, and 41 self-selected or were referred by their new practice to receive more intensive, interdisciplinary support from the ICT (8%).
 Our evaluation team has observed 22 ICT meetings, composed field notes, and consolidated program statistics. To understand the development and impact of the program, we interviewed all ICT staff (n=9), and six patients (in three languages, with interpreters) . Interviews were digitally recorded, then anonymized and uploaded into NVivo 12 for thematic analysis. 
 The 41 patients requiring ICT supports in 2022 (Jan-Nov.) received 396 hours of interdisciplinary care/supports over 833 sessions. Patients had high and diverse needs. Approximately 20% of these hours were spent directly linking or referring patients to community resources. In addition to navigating the medical transition, the ICT supported patients with education, employment, finances, mental health, transportation, social isolation, and other needs. Staff noted that it was easier to attend to the patients’ medical needs (e.g. getting to their appointments), once the basics of survival (e.g. food, housing) were addressed. 
 The evaluation identified many lessons learned in the first year, including: expect the development and refinement of an ICT program to take time (it cannot be designed, refined, and implemented with demonstrated impact in one year); embedding interpretation services into all aspects of the program was essential; it can be challenging to find clinics willing to accept refugee patients; patients are unique and will required a tailored approach and care plan; and, these types of programs are essential for bridging health and social care services, which in our region had previously been operating in silos. ICT support of refugee patients is ongoing. PCPs will be interviewed in the next phase of the evaluation. 

ANALISIS DAMPAK PROGRAM REHAB RUMAH TIDAK LAYAK HUNI TERHADAP KEMISKINAN DI KABUPATEN SUMBAWA BARAT

This research discusses the implementation of the Uninhabitable House Rehab program and the effectiveness of the Uninhabitable House Rehab program in reducing poverty levels in West Sumbawa Regency. The aim of this research is to determine the implementation of the Uninhabitable House Rehab program and analyze the effectiveness of the Uninhabitable House Rehab program in reducing poverty levels in West Sumbawa Regency. This research uses mixed methods, qualitative methods to discuss the implementation of the Uninhabitable House Rehab program in West Sumbawa Regency and quantitative methods to analyze the effectiveness of the Uninhabitable House Rehab program in reducing poverty levels in West Sumbawa Regency. The research results show that this program has been implemented well by the West Sumbawa Regency Housing and Settlement Service. The RTLH program in the West Sumbawa community is carried out procedurally in accordance with existing regulations, both from the process of collecting data on aid recipients, mentoring, assessment of aid recipients and monitoring the ongoing rehabilitation process so that the rehabilitation process takes place in accordance with the Budget Plan (RAB). With N = 10, from the t table above we get a t table value of 0.699, the significance value from the table is 0.290 so we get a significance value of 0.290 < 0.699 or the calculated t value < t table so it can be concluded that the House Rehab Program is Unfit for Living (RTLH) effective in reducing poverty in West Sumbawa Regency.

IMPROVING WORK PERFORMANCE WITH THE INFLUENCE OF ROTATION THROUGH WORK ENTHUSIASM AND MOTIVATION IN THE HOUSING, RESIDENTIAL AND DEFENSE AREA SERVICES OF BULELENG REGENCY

This study aims to determine the increase in work performance with the influence of rotation through work enthusiasm and motivation in the housing, settlement and defense areas of Buleleng Regency. The population and sample in this study were 92 employees at the Housing, Settlement and Defense Areas Office of Buleleng Regency. The data analysis technique used in this research is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on variance SEM, which is well known as Partial Least Square (PLS) visual version 3.0. The results of this study indicate that rotation has a direct influence on morale at the Housing, Settlement and Defense Areas Services in Buleleng Regency. Rotation has a direct influence on motivation in the Housing, Residential Areas and Defense Services of Buleleng Regency. Rotation has a direct influence on work performance at the Housing, Settlement and Defense Areas Office of Buleleng Regency. Morale has a direct influence on work performance at the Housing, Settlement and Defense Areas Office of Buleleng Regency. Motivation has a direct influence on work performance at the Housing, Settlement and Defense Areas Office of Buleleng Regency. Rotation has a direct influence on work performance with work enthusiasm as an intervening variable at the Housing, Residential and Defense Areas Office of Buleleng Regency. Rotation has a direct influence on work performance with motivation as an intervening variable at the Housing, Residential and Defense Areas Office of Buleleng Regency.