The social impacts of family separation on refugee settlement and inclusion in Australia
Version 3 2019-10-01, 02:25
Version 2 2019-10-01, 02:20
Version 1 2019-09-22, 22:57
report
posted on 2019-10-01, 02:25 authored by Rebecca Wickes, John Van Kooy, Rebecca PowellRebecca Powell, Claire MoranClaire MoranFamily reunion is an important component of successful migrant
settlement. Yet in Australia, some humanitarian migrants are
at a disadvantage when applying for family reunification visas.
Emerging evidence reveals that family separation can have
negative effects on an individual’s well-being and compromise
the settlement process for new migrants.
The aim of this report is to examine the relationship between
family reunion and successful settlement for refugees. Conducted
by the Monash Migration and Inclusion Centre and supported by
the Oxfam-Monash Partnership, this report provides foundational
evidence to inform policy on family reunion in Australia, with a
specific focus on the impact of family separation and resettlement
on social inclusion outcomes for refugees.
This report comprises three data analysis methods: a
systematic review of available scholarly and grey literature; an
analysis of the ‘Building a New Life in Australia’ (BNLA) survey
of humanitarian migrants; and two in-depth, case studies with
refugees in Australia.
A number of barriers to refugee migrant settlement and the
impacts of family separation on individuals and families were
identified in this report. Costs and lengthy processing timeframes
associated with family reunification visas hindered refugee
settlement opportunities and potential. Prolonged family separation
was associated with longer term difficulties achieving settlement
milestones. Mental health concerns were related to family
separation and employment and educational variables.
