It is essential to understand the economic benefits refugees bring to the nation that takes them. With the number of refugees on the rise, every country set up an initial amount to cater to the refugees’ basic necessities such as housing, language classes, food, career navigation, and health care, among other needs.

The economic impacts of the refugee and immigrant services on the host nations or countries have always brought controversial implications since there are no available data to answer the question of refugee impact on the economy. Studies show that hosting refugees can indicate long term economic benefits to the host country.

While there are more natural compelling reasons to welcome the refugees in a new country, this article will look at the various economic benefits the refugees bring to the host nation. LIRS will also explore ways in which the newcomers act as an investment for the country that has welcomed/ embraced them.

How the Refugees Help a Country’s Economy Grow

Supporting and welcoming refugees in any country comes with financial benefits to the host country. Notably, there is an initial cost allocated to the host country to cater to the refugees’ needs and necessities for successful integration. Resettling the refugees indicates long term economic benefits that outweigh the initial costs allocated for the refugee’s conditions. That is because as the refugees assimilate to the host country’s culture and economy, they contribute significantly to the tax revenue, raise productivity, stimulate the economy, boost innovation, improve local worker wages, and generate international trade since they bring connection among countries.

Research shows that the cost of settling refugees can number in thousands of dollars within the first months of settlement. It is noted that refugees contribute more in tax revenue to the state, federal and local entities. This represents a positive economic tax income in the host country. Also, the refugees boost the entrepreneurship rates that can potentially outshine the other citizens and immigrants. With the emergence of new innovative entrepreneurs in the country, there will be an increase in income and revenue generation in the country.

Notably, refugees are more likely to increase labor and step up for job vacancies in industries like the service and agricultural sectors. Many are willing to work through the pandemic to ensure an increase in food production for people in the country. Further, the refugees also contribute to other sectors, including retail, healthcare, transport and education.

Benefits of Refugee and Immigrant Services

While we have touched on the net positive return the refugees bring to the host country, the gains are expounded in many sectors of the economy. Notably, the positive economic impacts are generally more than the initial settlement costs of the refugees to the host countries. Additionally, the refugees have an entrepreneurial spirit and technical skills that benefit the nation they transition to better their lives. Some of the economic benefits of the refugees include:

The Refugees Bring Unique Skill Sets And Technical Trade Knowledge.

Each nation or country has what makes the country unique from others. Refugees bring exceptional skills from their original country to the host country, like trade, technical skills, and culinary arts, which will help improve the overall local labor force. The refugees could also share these skills and crafts with the people in the host country, helping boost the country’s economy.

The Refugees Complement The Job Market.

Its common knowledge that the refugees are likely to seek job opportunities to better their lives as they get assimilated into the economy and the culture of the new country. There is a misconception that refugees tend to take away the available jobs for the local citizens. Research shows that a higher percentage of refugees fill up most gaps in the country’s market. Some of the top sectors refugees work in include transportation, manufacturing, retail, health care, tourism, and education, among other sectors. It is critical since most countries struggle with shortages of labor.

The Refugees Stimulate The Host Country’s Economy.

One of the primary reasons most countries take up refugees is increased economic activities. In countries with an aging workforce, the refugees cover the jobs that need to be filled to help balance the age gaps of the employees. Additionally, the refugees pay taxes and establish enterprises that help to stimulate the country’s economy.

The Refugees Help To Enrich The Country’s Culture.

Each country has unique cultural practices that make them different from the other nations. Hosting refugees will lead to cross-cultural understanding that helps the local citizens understand and appreciate cultural diversities by sharing their cultural beliefs, values and practices. The cultural diversity will lead to peaceful consistency of the locals and the refugees, hence increasing national diversification.

The Refugees Increase Local Productivity.

After months of settling in the new country, the refugees are likely to look for jobs to fill up the vacant positions. Others can start small and medium enterprises to cater to their needs and better their lives. This stimulation in the job market will increase productivity that benefits the host country. Also, the increased productivity will ensure that every local citizen, refugee and immigrant gets the required necessities for their everyday lives.

Challenges Faced By Refugees in the Host Country

Being a refugee doesn’t come easy. They face various challenges in the host country before getting assimilated and settling in the new government. Some of the challenges include discrimination, racism, difficulties in getting job opportunities, challenges in getting legal recognition and documents, trouble accessing quality education and skill-building opportunities, lack of safety and freedom of movement, poor access to quality health care systems and lack of opportunities to be engaged in decision making.

Conclusion

Notably, accepting and embracing refugees and immigrants come with initial costs to help them cater for their required basic necessities. By assisting them to build a new life in the new country, the host country benefits significantly from hosting the refugees. The long term benefits highlighted above help the host nation’s economy grow. These significant benefits provide compelling reasons for countries to welcome refugees not only for humanitarian reasons but also for the economic benefits they bring to the host countries.