Refugee integration and migrant networks in Austria

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of migrant networks on the integration of refugees in Austria. Utilizing the quasi-exogenous allocation of refugees across the country, the research investigates how network size and quality affect the economic and mobility outcomes for recognized refugees. The results reveal that while the size of co-ethnic networks initially exerts a negative impact on labor market integration, networks of other nationalities have a relatively positive effect. However, these influences wane approximately five years following the granting of asylum protection. In contrast, the quality of co-ethnic networks, as measured through employment rate proportions, consistently positively relates to the labor market integration of refugees, despite a diminishing influence observed after the second year of asylum approval. This indicates the crucial role of co-nationals' network quality during the early stages of integration.by Elza BalayanMasterarbeit Universit\ue4t Innsbruck 202