Labor Market Integration of Refugees : RCT Evidence from an Early Intervention Program in Sweden

This study uses an RCT design to evaluate a new program for increased labor market integration of refugees. The program introduces highly intensive assistance immediately after a residence permit is granted, contrasting previous integration policies which typically constitute lowintensive help over long periods of time. We find large positive effects on employment of the program, with a magnitude of around 15 percentage points. A mediation analysis shows that around 10 percent of the impact of the program is explained by documented increases in language skills. Cost estimates suggest that the new policy is less expensive than earlier labor market programs