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GLOBAL MIGRATION CENTRE
19 March 2026

What are the Gender Differences in Labor Market Integration among Refugees?

The study shows that refugee women in Switzerland face persistent labor market disadvantages compared to men, shaped by local conditions at arrival and cultural background. It highlights the need to integrate a gender perspective into migration and integration policies to ensure more inclusive outcomes.

A new policy brief published by the NCCR – on the Move sheds fresh light on how gender shapes the labour market integration of refugees in Switzerland.

Drawing on a unique dataset covering the entire refugee population over a twenty year period, the study provides one of the most comprehensive analyses to date of employment trajectories among refugee women and men. It highlights significant and persistent gender disparities in access to the labour market, as well as in the quality and stability of employment.

Produced as part of the NCCR’s knowledge transfer activities, the brief contributes to ongoing debates on migration, integration and social policy. The NCCR – on the Move brings together interdisciplinary research to better understand contemporary migration dynamics and support evidence based policymaking.

 

Online version