From Border Control to Belonging: How Empowering Refugees Benefits Host Communities
For decades, the narrative surrounding refugees has often focused on the challenges they pose to host countries: straining resources, impacting social services, and even raising security concerns. However, a new UN report highlights a compelling shift in perspective, arguing that empowering refugees to become self-sufficient and integrated into local communities can actually benefit those communities themselves. The report, titled “From border control to belonging: How host communities gain from empowering refugees,” released in April 2025, provides concrete examples and compelling data demonstrating the positive impact of refugee empowerment.
The traditional approach of prioritizing border control and limiting refugees’ access to the job market and social services often leads to dependence on aid and prolonged integration periods. This not only hurts refugees themselves but also creates a strain on the host community’s resources. The UN report argues for a different paradigm: one that focuses on creating opportunities for refugees to contribute economically and socially.
Here’s how empowering refugees can benefit host communities:
- Economic Growth: Refugees often bring with them skills, knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit. When given the opportunity to work, start businesses, and participate in the local economy, they can contribute to economic growth and create jobs for both refugees and host community members. The report highlights examples of refugee-owned businesses thriving in host countries, generating revenue and providing employment opportunities. For example, a Syrian refugee in Jordan started a successful bakery that now employs both Jordanian and Syrian workers, contributing to the local economy and fostering social cohesion.
- Addressing Labor Shortages: In many countries, specific industries face labor shortages. Refugees can fill these gaps, boosting productivity and contributing to overall economic output. The report cites examples of refugees working in agriculture, healthcare, and construction, sectors often struggling to find enough workers. In Germany, for example, refugees have been trained and employed in the healthcare sector, helping to address the country’s aging population and increasing demand for care services.
- Increased Tax Revenue: When refugees are employed and generating income, they pay taxes like everyone else. This increased tax revenue can be used to fund public services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, benefiting the entire community. The report presents data showing a direct correlation between refugee employment rates and increased tax revenue in several host countries.
- Cultural Enrichment: Refugees bring with them diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives, enriching the social fabric of the host community. This can lead to greater understanding, tolerance, and cross-cultural exchange. The report highlights the positive impact of refugee artists, musicians, and chefs on the cultural landscape of host countries. In Canada, for example, refugee-led cultural initiatives have contributed to the country’s vibrant multicultural identity.
- Innovation and New Skills: Refugees often possess unique skills and experiences that can contribute to innovation and economic development. They may have expertise in areas such as technology, engineering, or agriculture, which can be valuable to the host country. The report cites examples of refugees developing innovative solutions to local challenges, such as creating sustainable farming techniques or developing new technologies.
- Reduced Burden on Social Services: When refugees are self-sufficient and employed, they are less likely to rely on social services. This frees up resources for other vulnerable populations and reduces the overall burden on the host community’s welfare system. The report presents data showing a decrease in reliance on social assistance among refugees who have been integrated into the labor market.
- Stronger Social Cohesion: Empowering refugees to participate fully in society can foster stronger social cohesion and reduce tensions between refugees and host community members. When refugees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to integrate into the community and contribute positively to its well-being. The report highlights examples of community-based initiatives that promote dialogue and understanding between refugees and host community members, leading to improved social relations.
Key Recommendations from the Report:
The UN report calls on host countries to adopt policies that:
- Provide refugees with access to education, vocational training, and language skills.
- Remove barriers to employment, such as restrictive labor laws and discrimination.
- Promote refugee entrepreneurship and access to finance.
- Foster social inclusion and integration through community-based programs.
- Combat negative stereotypes and promote positive narratives about refugees.
Moving Forward:
The “From border control to belonging” report provides a compelling case for empowering refugees and integrating them into host communities. By recognizing the potential of refugees and providing them with the opportunities to contribute, host countries can not only improve the lives of refugees but also benefit themselves in numerous ways. This shift in perspective is crucial for creating a more just and sustainable future for all. It is not just a humanitarian imperative, but also a smart economic and social strategy. By embracing a more inclusive and empowering approach, host communities can unlock the potential of refugees and build stronger, more vibrant societies.
From border control to belonging: How host communities gain from empowering refugees
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-04-25 12:00, ‘From border control to belonging: How host communities gain from empowering refugees’ was published according to Top Stories. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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