Beyond the right to work: labour market engagement of protracted refugees through a social exclusion lens

Participation of refugees in the labour market is complex. In countries adjacent to a conflict zone, there is a larger group of refugees seeking protection. Currently, the international community is of the opinion that refugees should be able to access work in the host countries. But what does this entail? Is it just the right to work or should we look at an inclusive participation of refugees in the labour market? This thesis argues that we need to critically assess to what extent and under what conditions refugees are able to access the labour market, and how this differs from the host community. In addition, it critically examines the role of policy in shaping their participation. Incorporating a social exclusion framework, this thesis seeks to better understand the role of refugee-related policies pertaining to status, camp and right to work in shaping the labour market engagement of protracted refugees. This topic is explored within the context of Jordan, by examining the labour market engagement of Syrian and Palestinian refugees using a mixed methods approach. By considering the past and recent inflows into Jordan, this study provides insight into determinants of and dynamics behind labour market participation of refugees over time, and allows for a juxtaposition of camp and urban refugees.