Abstract:The contexts into which refugees and asylum seekers resettle, particularly the socio-political context as represented through various discourses, shape their occupational opportunities, health, and well-being. This article explores current literature in regard to the contemporary Australian discursive climate, particularly in relation to the way it may shape the occupational experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. In addition, a synthesis of current research regarding the occupational experiences of refuge… Show more
“…This is in line with previous research that has reported the importance of media messages for occupational opportunities available to refugees and asylum seekers (Mayne et al, 2016; Mayne‐Davis et al, 2020). This interviewee believes that there is a direct connection between the inflammatory media reporting and direct discrimination in the labour market, which makes it harder for young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to find work and a preference for “locals” that has become even more dominant during COVID.a lot of the young people that we engage through the projects, that we have in our organisation, the number one experience is experiences of racism and discrimination is huge.…”
Section: Employment Issues For Refugees Caused By Covid‐19supporting
As recent research indicates, refugees and people seeking asylum are suffering disproportionately from the COVID‐19 pandemic and have become more and more “shut out” and marginalised. An important pathway to integration and self‐reliance is sustainable employment. To explore the impacts of COVID‐19 on the employment prospects of refugees and people seeking asylum, we conducted 35 interviews with managers from Australian organisations that employ or assist refugees and asylum seekers in finding employment and 20 interviews with refugees and people seeking asylum. Our interviews indicate that the labour market has become more difficult for these groups in the COVID‐19 era due to (1) declines in job availabilities, (2) loss of jobs, (3) increased competition in the labour market and (4) increased discrimination and an “Australian first” mentality. Our interviews further suggest four strategies to improve employment prospects in the current situation: (1) pathways to permanent residency and citizenship for people seeking asylum; (2) access to healthcare and a financial safety net; (3) online training and education; and (4) social procurement.
“…This is in line with previous research that has reported the importance of media messages for occupational opportunities available to refugees and asylum seekers (Mayne et al, 2016; Mayne‐Davis et al, 2020). This interviewee believes that there is a direct connection between the inflammatory media reporting and direct discrimination in the labour market, which makes it harder for young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to find work and a preference for “locals” that has become even more dominant during COVID.a lot of the young people that we engage through the projects, that we have in our organisation, the number one experience is experiences of racism and discrimination is huge.…”
Section: Employment Issues For Refugees Caused By Covid‐19supporting
As recent research indicates, refugees and people seeking asylum are suffering disproportionately from the COVID‐19 pandemic and have become more and more “shut out” and marginalised. An important pathway to integration and self‐reliance is sustainable employment. To explore the impacts of COVID‐19 on the employment prospects of refugees and people seeking asylum, we conducted 35 interviews with managers from Australian organisations that employ or assist refugees and asylum seekers in finding employment and 20 interviews with refugees and people seeking asylum. Our interviews indicate that the labour market has become more difficult for these groups in the COVID‐19 era due to (1) declines in job availabilities, (2) loss of jobs, (3) increased competition in the labour market and (4) increased discrimination and an “Australian first” mentality. Our interviews further suggest four strategies to improve employment prospects in the current situation: (1) pathways to permanent residency and citizenship for people seeking asylum; (2) access to healthcare and a financial safety net; (3) online training and education; and (4) social procurement.
“…Existing occupational science research has demonstrated how displacement impacts upon human occupation and has helped guide occupational therapy practice (Trimboli et al, 2019). Research has focused on: the impact of being excluded from work (Burchett & Matheson, 2010); challenges relating to resettlement (Mirza, 2012, Mayne et al, 2016 and the experiences of living in a refugee camp (Darawsheh, 2019). These studies found that displacement caused profound occupational deprivation, loss and disruption.…”
Introduction Asylum-seekers face significant barriers to meaningful occupation, leading to negative health and wellbeing outcomes. This study provides a strength-based approach to enhance understandings about the meaning of occupation for those seeking asylum. Method A systematic search of the literature identified seven qualitative research studies. A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise the findings. Results Examination of the selected studies generated three third-order interpretations as follows: keeping busy as a coping mechanism; maintaining continuity with past life by preserving identity, roles, values and culture; and building a new future with a drive to be a productive member of society. The study also identified factors that support meaningful occupational engagement during asylum. Conclusion This study shows that occupations are essential to existence for asylum-seekers. They help preserve identity and life-continuity; help people make sense of disorder in their life; and provide opportunity for reflection, leading to motivation toward goal-directed occupation. Finally, engaging in occupation helps people adjust and cope with trauma. The study highlights that a lack of meaningful occupations may limit the long-term benefits of occupational engagement while seeking asylum. Recommendations are made for further research to challenge restrictive policies and promote the rights and wellbeing of this population.
“…Within the occupational science and occupational therapy literature, attention is limited to the effects of trauma on firstgeneration refugees (Huot et al, 2016;Mayne et al, 2016;Whiteford, 2005). As descendants of refugees are disproportionately affected by social determinants that impact health and access to appropriate care (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2019), it is important to conduct population-specific research from an occupational perspective to better serve this group.…”
Section: Concept Of Intergenerational Traumamentioning
Background. Trauma experienced in one generation can affect the health and well-being of subsequent generations, such as impairing life skills, personal contentment, behaviour patterns and sense of self. This phenomenon has predominantly been explored with descendants of European refugees and is not fully understood from an occupational perspective. Purpose. This research explores how intergenerational trauma manifests in the occupational lives of second-generation Ilankai Tamil and Vietnamese refugees. Methods. Using qualitative narrative inquiry, 12 adult children of Tamil and Vietnamese refugees residing in the Greater Toronto Area participated in semi-structured interviews. Narratives were thematically analysed. Findings. Findings illustrate how sociohistorical, cultural and familial contexts influence the way second-generation refugees view what they can and should do. Many healing responses to intergenerational trauma include occupations focused on communal care. Implications. Findings from this study reveal the unique struggles and needs of two understudied populations and the possibilities for healing through occupation.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
