Labour market integration of refugees in Norway under changing macro-economic conditions

This paper describes the transition to ordinary employment among thirteen single-year cohorts of refugees who settled in Norway from 1987 to 1999. The refugees are observed once a year from 1992 to 1999 on the basis of register data. A central issue is how belonging to a certain settlement cohort, duration of residence in the receiving country, and observation period affect the chance of being employed. The effect of changing business cycles is also addressed. Earlier conceptions that macro-economic conditions at the time of settlement are more important for the chance of employment than duration of residence are tested and refuted.