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Fast-Tracked Jobs Help Asylum Seekers Integrate Faster

Author

Listed:
  • Giovanni Abbiati

    (University of Brescia)

  • Erich Battistin

    (University of Maryland)

  • Paola Monti

    (Rodolfo Debenedetti Foundation)

  • Paolo Pinotti

    (paolo.pinotti@unibocconi.it)

Abstract

We evaluate a labor market integration program that fast-tracked asylum seekers into the Italian labor market through personalized job mentoring, placement assistance, and on-the-job training. Leveraging randomized assignment across reception centers and individual-level administrative records, we find effects on employment rates of 10 percentage points, or 30% over the baseline, over a 18-month period. The program also improved job quality through increased access to fixed-term and open-ended contracts. Subsidized internships were a critical pathway to transitioning participants into standard employment. Survey data indicate that these effects reflect a net increase in employment, rather than a shift from informal to formal jobs. We also document broader benefits on socioeconomic integration, including language proficiency and social networks with native Italians.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Abbiati & Erich Battistin & Paola Monti & Paolo Pinotti, 2025. "Fast-Tracked Jobs Help Asylum Seekers Integrate Faster," RF Berlin - CReAM Discussion Paper Series 2512, Rockwool Foundation Berlin (RF Berlin) - Centre for Research and Analysis of Migration (CReAM).
    • Handle: RePEc:crm:wpaper:2512
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asylum Seekers; Job Mentoring; Labor Market Integration; SocioeconomicIntegration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D04 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Policy: Formulation; Implementation; Evaluation
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers

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