The social impacts of family separation on refugee settlement and inclusion in Australia

Abstract

Family reunion is an important component of successful migrant\nsettlement. Yet in Australia, some humanitarian migrants are\nat a disadvantage when applying for family reunification visas.\nEmerging evidence reveals that family separation can have\nnegative effects on an individual’s well-being and compromise\nthe settlement process for new migrants.The aim of this report is to examine the relationship between\nfamily reunion and successful settlement for refugees. Conducted\nby the Monash Migration and Inclusion Centre and supported by\nthe Oxfam-Monash Partnership, this report provides foundational\nevidence to inform policy on family reunion in Australia, with a\nspecific focus on the impact of family separation and resettlement\non social inclusion outcomes for refugees.This report comprises three data analysis methods: a\nsystematic review of available scholarly and grey literature; an\nanalysis of the ‘Building a New Life in Australia’ (BNLA) survey\nof humanitarian migrants; and two in-depth, case studies with\nrefugees in Australia.A number of barriers to refugee migrant settlement and the\nimpacts of family separation on individuals and families were\nidentified in this report. Costs and lengthy processing timeframes\nassociated with family reunification visas hindered refugee\nsettlement opportunities and potential. Prolonged family separation\nwas associated with longer term difficulties achieving settlement\nmilestones. Mental health concerns were related to family\nseparation and employment and educational variables.