Journal of International Migration and Integration
2019

Safe Employment Integration of Recent Immigrants and Refugees (Article)

Kosny A. , Yanar B.* , Begum M. , Al-khooly D. , Premji S. , Lay M.A. , Smith P.M.
  • a Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Ave., Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, Canada, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 6th floor, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
  • b Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Ave., Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, Canada
  • c Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Ave., Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, Canada
  • d Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Ave., Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, Canada
  • e School of Labour Studies and Department of Health Aging and Society at McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M4, Canada
  • f Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Ave., Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, Canada, CIHR Institute of Population & Public Health, Global Strategy Lab Dahdaleh Building, Suite 5021 York University 88 The Pond Road, Toronto, ON, Canada
  • g Institute for Work & Health, 481 University Ave., Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5G 2E9, Canada, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 6th floor, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada

Abstract

This study examined the employment preparation and work experiences of recent immigrants and refugees in Ontario, Canada, to determine key resource needs and opportunities related to safe work integration. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 service providers, program developers, and policy-makers from the immigration and employment fields. Eighteen focus groups were held with 110 recent immigrants and refugees who were looking for work or who had recently found work. An exploratory qualitative approach was used to collect and analyze the data. First jobs were often characterized by precarity and poor working conditions. Most recent immigrants and refugees had little knowledge about their rights at work and were not sure what to do when mistreated or were asked to do something unsafe at work. The settlement and employment programs that included occupational health and safety information were not systematic and were hindered by a lack of consistent funding and diffusion of responsibility. We identify optimal points in the settlement process where information can be provided, and some of the roles that can be played most effectively by service agencies, regulatory bodies, and employers. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V.

Author Keywords

Refugees Employment Occupational health and safety immigrants

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85067241861&doi=10.1007%2fs12134-019-00685-w&partnerID=40&md5=062a0fe96827b5e74b9f30b34a1c3606
DOI: 10.1007/s12134-019-00685-w
ISSN: 14883473
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English