Matching markets to skills of refugees

The Syrian refugee crisis has brought out the best and worst in political leaders. Some have opened borders to those fleeing war, persecution, and crisis. Others have shut them down. But one thing is clear: something in the system is broken. In theory, refugees have the right to seek asylum and either integrate into a host country or return to their home country in time. In practice, millions have been stuck in interminable limbo. And according to international law (but again, also in theory), they are a global responsibility. In reality, nearby nations such as Turkey and Jordan have absorbed most of the costs. However, it doesn’t have to be so black and white, says Alexander Betts, director of the Refugee Studies Center at the University of Oxford.

Project Stage

Proof of Concept

Last update: October 05, 2023

Overview Contributors

Challenge

gaps in opportunities for refugees

Description

"Politicians frame the issue as a zero sum issue—that if we benefit refugees, we’re imposing costs on citizens," he says. "There are ways in which we can expand that choice set and still benefit everyone else—the host states and communities, our societies, and refugees themselves." In a TED talk given in February, Betts, who is also founder of the Humanitarian Innovation Project, highlighted some fascinating options for changing this conversation.

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