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Employment Aspirations of Former Refugees Settled in Australia: a Mixed Methods Study

Author

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  • Aparna Hebbani

    (University of Queensland)

  • Nigar G. Khawaja

    (University of Queensland)

Abstract

The present study used a mixed method approach to understand the employment related aspirations of former refugees from Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Myanmar, resettled in Australia. Aspiration was defined as the difference between the current and future aspired job. First, a quantitative approach was used with 222 participants, who completed a questionnaire with the help of interpreters. Analysis of variance was used to examine if the aspirations varied on the basis of the country of origin. Participants from DRC and Myanmar had higher aspirations than those from Ethiopia. Graphic data indicated that in general all three groups aspired for professional and managerial jobs. Second, using a qualitative approach, 47 former refugees from these three countries were interviewed. Thematic analysis indicated that, in general, many participants wanted to pursue their own business. Moreover, a range of obstacles in achieving these goals also became apparent. Limited English language proficiency, lack of information about how to secure these jobs, and personal and family members’ ill health interfered in participants’ ability to secure their aspired job. Lastly, we offer a few recommendations for relevant stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Aparna Hebbani & Nigar G. Khawaja, 2019. "Employment Aspirations of Former Refugees Settled in Australia: a Mixed Methods Study," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 20(3), pages 907-924, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:20:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s12134-018-0635-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-018-0635-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weiping Kostenko, 2009. "Does Labour Market Achievement Matter for the Wellbeing of Australian Immigrants? Culture and Gender Differences," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2009n21, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
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