Reskilled and Integrated, but How? Navigating Trauma and Temporary Hardships

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Migration Studies
• Human Capital

Background:

• Immigrants' economic assimilation is crucial for host country integration.
• Highly educated Turkish migrants seek to regain professional status and quality of life.
• Forced migration from Türkiye post-2016 created a significant exiled population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the experiences of highly educated Turkish forced migrants.
• To understand the challenges and opportunities in their economic assimilation and career transitions.
• To identify policy implications for improving migrant well-being and integration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research methodology.
• Study sample included 42 highly educated Turkish individuals experiencing forced migration.
• Analysis focused on career changes, economic status, and well-being.

Main Results:

• Forced migration necessitates career changes and re-education, leading to initial economic instability and reduced well-being.
• Successful re-education and credential transfer improve economic status and well-being.
• Despite eventual recovery, lost time during the transition period impacts migrants.

Conclusions:

• The process of economic assimilation for highly educated forced migrants is complex, with both positive and negative phases.
• Policy interventions can mitigate challenges by shortening re-education timelines and enhancing employability.
• Supporting migrant well-being during career transitions is essential for successful integration.