© UNHCR
In their search for safety, refugees have left their homes and possessions behind, though the skills and work-experience they bring represent significant economic potential for receiving countries like Greece, a new study highlights.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has published a report on the education, skills and work experience of refugees and asylum seekers in Greece’s island camps, which demonstrates the capacity of asylum seekers and refugees to contribute to their host country.
Between April and May 2021, UNHCR surveyed asylum-seekers and recognized refugees on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, Leros, Rhodes and Tilos. Many of the survey participants practiced skilled trades (19 percent), while others had been employed in manufacturing and mining (16 percent), agriculture and the food sector (12 percent), or were engaged in business and sales (10 percent) before fleeing their homelands. Amongst the respondents, there were also doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, and ICT professionals.
The majority (78 percent) of asylum-seekers and refugees interviewed had some level of formal education outside Greece, while eight percent (660 men and women) had university education. Of those interviewed, 65 percent were asylum-seekers and the remaining were recognised refugees. The majority of those participating in the survey originated from Afghanistan (45 percent), Syria (14 percent), Somalia (8 percent), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (7 percent).
Although the findings present only a fraction of asylum-seekers and refugees in Greece, it testifies to the broad diversity of their abilities and the potential they possess to benefit their host communities and as well as the broader Greek labour market. Employment opportunities based on their skills can bring refugees one step closer to self-reliance and favor forging new social relationships with their host community.
See the results of the survey here.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
