Integration policy and refugees’ economic performance: Evidence from Sweden’s 2010 reform of the introduction programme

Abstract

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Introduction “Labour market integration of highly skilled refugees in Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands”

“…Despite these shared assumptions, authorities have different perspectives on the factors that encourage refugees to participate in these initiatives. They have implemented policies that reflect these assumptions, ranging from rewarding participation (the "carrots" approach) to penalizing those who fail to complete the integration programme within an allotted time (the "sticks" approach) (Qi et al, 2021). Sweden uses a "carrot" approach, informed by the idea that economic incentives motivate refugees to participate in integration activities (Qi et al, 2021).…”

“…They have implemented policies that reflect these assumptions, ranging from rewarding participation (the "carrots" approach) to penalizing those who fail to complete the integration programme within an allotted time (the "sticks" approach) (Qi et al, 2021). Sweden uses a "carrot" approach, informed by the idea that economic incentives motivate refugees to participate in integration activities (Qi et al, 2021). Refugees are paid a benefit when they participate in a two-year introduction programme, starting soon after their asylum claim has been approved.…”

“…The reform aimed to standardize services across all municipalities and to improve access to labour market preparation activities. The reform reduced the programme's length from three to two years, increased the funding per individual by 25 per cent and increased the economic incentive to participate (Qi et al, 2021). Qi et al, (2021) examine in this special issue whether Sweden's reform of the introduction programme improved refugees' economic performance.…”

“…The reform reduced the programme's length from three to two years, increased the funding per individual by 25 per cent and increased the economic incentive to participate (Qi et al, 2021). Qi et al, (2021) examine in this special issue whether Sweden's reform of the introduction programme improved refugees' economic performance. They found a significant positive effect on refugees' income right after they had completed the introduction programme, and that this effect intensified over time.…”

“…Sweden uses a “carrot” approach, informed by the idea that economic incentives motivate refugees to participate in integration activities (Qi et al, 2021). Refugees are paid a benefit when they participate in a two‐year introduction programme, starting soon after their asylum claim has been approved.…”