Research and Publications

We research and provide insights into the issues and experiences of young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, informing our policy advice and projects.

Reports

The report provides an analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on young migrants in Australia, particularly those aged 15 to 29. The report explores the disproportionate challenges faced by this group in the labour market, including higher unemployment rates, reduced working hours, and the long-term impacts of job losses. It also examines the broader economic implications of these challenges and proposes solutions to improve labour market outcomes for young migrants, highlighting the potential economic benefits of closing the participation rate gap between young migrants and their Australian-born counterparts.

Developed by MYAN and the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture in collaboration with the National Education Roundtable Steering Group, the paper addresses a significant gap in national policies relating to these students. The paper highlights challenges these students face within Australia’s education system, including low English proficiency, interrupted schooling, and trauma from migration. Systemic issues such as the reduction of EAL/D support services and inconsistent policies across states further hinder their educational progress. The paper also notes a lack of national research into effective strategies to support these students, pointing to the need for better data and analysis to guide future policies and programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these barriers, particularly with remote learning exposing inequities in access to digital devices and internet connectivity. Families with limited English proficiency struggled to support their children’s learning at home, and many students faced increased mental, emotional, and financial strain. The paper calls for coordinated action from all levels of government, better funding transparency, and targeted programs to engage parents and ensure schools have the resources to foster inclusive learning environments. Addressing these barriers is crucial to improving educational outcomes for refugee and migrant students, especially in light of the pandemic’s lasting impact.

The National Youth Settlement Framework (NYSF) is a comprehensive guide developed by the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) Australia to support and measure best practices in youth settlement services for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The framework aims to enhance the settlement outcomes for these young people by providing a structured approach to policy development and service delivery across various sectors, including education, health, and employment. It focuses on fostering active citizenship, which involves the full participation of young people in Australian society, by building their skills, knowledge, and networks.

The NYSF includes good practice capabilities, practical tools, and indicators for achieving successful settlement and integration, ensuring that young people from diverse backgrounds are supported to become active and engaged members of the community.

This discussion paper focuses on how the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) can be improved to better meet the specific English language learning needs of young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. The paper outlines the importance of English proficiency for successful settlement and participation in Australian society, highlights the challenges young people face in the current AMEP system, and provides recommendations for making the program more youth-focused, flexible, and responsive to their unique circumstances. The paper also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the delivery of AMEP classes and suggests ways to innovate and adapt the program to better support young learners.

The Women at Risk Visa Holders Consultation Report is a detailed document prepared by the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network (MYAN) Australia, in collaboration with the Migration Council Australia (MCA). The report focuses on the settlement experiences of women and young people arriving in Australia under the Women at Risk (WaR) visa, a category designed for particularly vulnerable refugee women. The report identifies the unique challenges faced by this cohort, including access to safe housing, social support, and appropriate settlement services, particularly in rural and regional areas. It provides insights from national consultations and interviews with service providers, highlighting the need for a strengths-based, gender-responsive, and youth-specific approach to support WaR visa holders. The report concludes with recommendations for improving settlement outcomes for this vulnerable group through targeted services, better coordination, and investment in research and evaluation.