Migrants and Refugees

Overview

In 2020, the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Europe increased to an unprecedented 23 million (Eurostat, 2021). Their participation rate in the labour market is however on average lower than that of the native population (73.3% vs. 57.6%). Entrepreneurship therefore represents a great opportunity for refugees and other migrants to rebuild their lives and contribute to the economy and society of their new home country. Their entrepreneurial potential is often thwarted by multiple cultural, social and economic barriers resulting in isolation, limited access to financial capital or challenges in establishing a customer’s networks (OECD, 2019). Relevant business support services can help address these challenges but it needs to be accompanied by a change of the mindset in the sector to better reflect on the real needs of migrant entrepreneurs.