How can you make a refugee employable?

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to add to the literature about migrants. There has been no research done towards the role of companies in the employability of migrants yet. Furthermore, this study aims to give an insight into the migrant employability projects organizations organize in the Netherlands and their role in increasing the employability of refugees. Lastly, this study provides practical implications to improve these projects. Design/methodology/approach – This qualitative study took place in the Netherlands. Seven semi-structured interviews were held with coordinators, participants, and a recruiter involved with migrant employability projects. This data was complemented by six documents. Findings – The projects organized were very successful. Every interviewed organization is going to organize another project to train more refugees. Training solved issues coming from the language barrier and cultural differences. Research limitations/implications – The biggest limitation of this study is the generalizability. Since only seven interviews were performed the results are not generalizable. Furthermore, the results of the interviews with the participants are minimal due to the language barrier. Future research could ideally be done through a researcher that speaks Arabic. Practical implications – This study provides several suggestions from coordinators and participants about how to perform these projects. Originality/value – This study has been the first study towards migrant employability projects organized by organizations.