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The Life Experiences of Refugees in Canada: A Comprehensive Scoping Review to Identify Unmet Needs and Barriers

Author

Listed:
  • Setareh Ghahari

    (Queen’s University)

  • Josie Lui

    (Queen’s University)

  • Satmeen Nagra

    (Queen’s University)

  • Sara Morassaei

    (Queen’s University
    Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre)

Abstract

Although resettlement allows for refugees to live in a safer place, there are many issues that accompany this drastic life change. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine the literature on the life experiences of refugees in Canada to identify the challenges that they face and their unmet needs, as well as potential sources of support. Five databases were systematically searched for articles published in the last decade that included data on the life experience of refugees in Canada. Findings were analysed in depth to generate emergent themes and synthesize common findings across studies. The review found 26 articles on the life experiences of refugees, 23 of which were qualitative studies, as well as 1 quantitative and 2 mixed methods studies. The main challenges experienced by refugees included loss or change in identity, gender role conflicts, language barriers, lack of recognition of previous education or experience, and perceived lack of support and discrimination. This comprehensive review highlights the unmet needs and complex barriers that are experienced by refugees in Canada and directs attention to priorities for future research. Differences in language, culture, and social support lead to challenges in integration and accessing services among refugees in Canada, which may have potential policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Setareh Ghahari & Josie Lui & Satmeen Nagra & Sara Morassaei, 2020. "The Life Experiences of Refugees in Canada: A Comprehensive Scoping Review to Identify Unmet Needs and Barriers," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 1249-1261, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:21:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s12134-019-00727-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-019-00727-3
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Shahimi, Farnaz & Block, Karen & Alisic, Eva, 2024. "Sense of identity among young people with refugee backgrounds: A scoping review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    2. Ellen Heidinger, 2021. "Overcoming Barriers to Service Access: Refugees’ Professional Support Service Utilization and the Impact of Human and Social Capital," SOEPpapers on Multidisciplinary Panel Data Research 1151, DIW Berlin, The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).
    3. Charles Gyan & Batholomew Chireh & Noelle Chuks-Eboka & Ata Senior Yeboah, 2023. "Reconsidering the Conceptualization of Resilience: The Experiences of Refugee and Immigrant Youth in Montreal," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 18(4), pages 1591-1615, August.
    4. Ellen Heidinger, 2023. "Overcoming Barriers to Service Access: Refugees’ Professional Support Service Utilization and the Impact of Human and Social Capital," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 271-312, March.

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