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Reducing Humanitarian Migrants' Welfare Dependency through Language Support: Evidence from Australia's Adult Migrant English Program

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  • Bowen Wang
  • Tunye Qiu

Abstract

Humanitarian migrants are among the most vulnerable migrant groups, often facing significant integration challenges, particularly language barriers. In response, many developed countries have introduced language programs to support their settlement. This study uses an event study (staggered difference‐in‐differences) approach and data from Australia's Longitudinal Study of Humanitarian Migrants to evaluate the impact of the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP). Findings show that AMEP participation leads to an average 17.9 per cent reduction in welfare dependency across three post‐treatment periods. A heterogeneity analysis reveals variation in outcomes by gender, geographic location, and pre‐arrival education. These results have important implications for integration policy and fiscal planning in welfare states, challenging the notion that only high‐skilled migrants can achieve economic self‐sufficiency. With targeted support, humanitarian migrants can also reduce their dependence on government assistance, highlighting the value of inclusive, skills‐based settlement programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Bowen Wang & Tunye Qiu, 2026. "Reducing Humanitarian Migrants' Welfare Dependency through Language Support: Evidence from Australia's Adult Migrant English Program," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 102(S1), pages 102-132, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecorec:v:102:y:2026:i:s1:p:102-132
    DOI: 10.1111/1475-4932.70034
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