This report investigates the outcomes for humanitarian migrants in the Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) study, examining differences between groups and factors over the 10 years of settlement. 

The BLNA longitudinal study was initiated in 2013 and involved 2,399 humanitarian migrants granted permanent visas in Australia. The study aimed to understand the factors influencing the integration of humanitarian migrants across various domains: economic participation, social connections, self-sufficiency, language and education, and health and wellbeing. The report analyses these domains, highlighting variations in outcomes among subgroups within the cohort and identifying key factors associated with successful integration.

It shows significant developments across key indicators including labour force participation, language acquisition, education and training, social connection and health. The report recommends targeted policy and program interventions to address persistent challenges faced by humanitarian migrants, including access to services, employment opportunities, and mental health support.

Findings

• Employment rates increased over time, particularly in the first 5 years of settlement, indicating that investment in employment programs and supports may yield greater returns for new arrivals.
• Fluency in English is a critical foundation for humanitarian settlement in Australia. Many new arrivals require early and sustained investment in English learning.
• Most humanitarian migrants reported feeling connected to Australian society, but wider social and economic pressures may be eroding this sense of connection.
• Financial hardship and insecure or unaffordable housing affect refugees’ self-agency.
• Humanitarian migrants present with unique physical and mental health needs.
• Despite health challenges, most BNLA participants reported high levels of life satisfaction in Australia. In year 10, the average life satisfaction score was 7.5 out of 10.