Digital Integration of Refugees into the Netherlands

The challenges that refugees face when relocating to Western Europe in the 21st century include adapting to the digital aspects of a new life and society. This includes practical matters such as bureaucratic processes requiring digital skills, but also social aspects. Many refugees rely on their smartphones and social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook for reaching support networks, sharing helpful information, and maintaining a connection back home. Meanwhile, refugees are faced with pressures to “integrate” in societies such as the Netherlands, which may involve networking and learning the culture in a new place.

Research on the digital aspects of integration remain relatively rare despite the growing significance of digital technologies in this context. Within studies of refugees and digital technology, which are growing, the focus has largely been about the physical journey to a new country, with less focus on what happens after arrival. Nonetheless, the significance is clear as governments and refugees themselves are concerned with successful integration and wellbeing in a new country.

How adequately prepared are refugees for the digital aspects of integration? What opportunities and barriers do they experience in adapting digital tools for inclusion into society? This project will explore the perspectives and experiences of refugees in partnership with the organization Refugee Team in Tilburg, in order to translate knowledge into practical insights for organizations that assist refugees starting new lives abroad in the digital age.