This study investigates the relationship between legal residency and labor force participation among Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Lebanon hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees, with less than 20 percent possessing legal residency.
This study utilizes data from the 2020 Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (VASyR) survey, conducted by UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP. The survey includes information on employment status, legal residency, documentation, demographic characteristics, educational attainment, and governorate of residence.
Main findings:
- Syrian refugees holding an ID are more likely to be employed. The analysis shows that holding a national ID card, national passport, or a family booklet are correlated with the likelihood of employment.
- Demographic factors affect the likelihood of employment of Syrian refugees. Male Syrian refugees are significantly more likely to be employed than their female counterparts. Marriage also increases the probability of employment for Syrian refugees, however this effect varies by age group.
- Educational attainment is related to the employment prospects of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Young adults with a school or university education have a lower probability of being employed compared to illiterate young adults. This suggests that higher education may not translate to better job prospects in the context of limited job opportunities available to Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
- Syrian refugees with legal residency are more likely to be employed in Lebanon. Legal residency is strongly associated with a higher probability of finding work among Syrian refugees who have completed school or university education. This suggests that legal residency may be particularly beneficial for refugees with higher educational attainment.
The authors conclude that Syrian refugees in Lebanon with legal residency are more likely to be employed. This is likely due to the increased freedom of movement and access to work permits that legal residency provides. The authors call for simplifying the process of obtaining legal residency and reducing associated fees for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.