A majority of 73% people across 52 countries believe that people fleeing war or persecution should be able to seek safety in other countries, including their own. However, support for providing refuge has decreased in several countries compared to the high levels seen in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This comes up in a recent survey conducted by Ipsos, in collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The survey, which is the largest of its kind by Ipsos, reveals a nuanced and complex picture of global attitudes towards refugees, reflecting both support and concerns.
The survey found that nearly half (49%) of the respondents feel their country has accepted more refugees than it should, while 23% think the intake is appropriate and 14% believe it is insufficient.
PERCEIVED IMPACT OF REFUGEES
- Labour Market and Economy:
- Around one-third of respondents believe refugees will positively enrich their country’s labour markets, national economies, and identities.
- Another third anticipate negative effects in these areas.
- Public Services:
- 38% expect a negative impact on public services such as hospitals, education, and housing.
- 26% foresee a positive impact, while another 26% anticipate minimal difference.
- National Security:
- 41% of respondents believe refugees will negatively impact national security.
- 25% see no difference, and 22% expect a positive impact.
- Saudi Arabia is notably less concerned, with a majority perceiving a positive impact.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS
- Countries with a Tradition of Hosting Refugees:
- Respondents in Uganda and Kenya generally show higher optimism about refugee integration and its positive impact.
- Western Countries and Major Hosts:
- Less positive sentiment prevails, with concerns about refugees’ ability to integrate and their impact on public services and national security.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS REFUGEE INTEGRATION
- Access to Rights:
- Half of the respondents support refugees’ access to education, healthcare, and jobs.
- Three-quarters express varying degrees of support for policies allowing refugee family reunification in the country of asylum.
PUBLIC ACTION AND SENTIMENT
- Despite concerns, a third of respondents have taken actions to support refugees, such as donating or advocating through social media.
- 75% of refugees live in low- and middle-income countries, and 37% of respondents believe that international aid for these host countries is insufficient.
MEDIA INFLUENCE
- Traditional media and social media remain trusted sources of information about refugees, highlighting the role of responsible reporting in shaping public perceptions.
- There is an increasing trend of targeting refugees on social media through disinformation campaigns.
DEMOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES
- Younger people tend to have more positive attitudes towards refugees compared to older generations.
CALLS FOR ACTION
Didier Truchot, Chairman and Founder of Ipsos, emphasizes the importance of understanding public perceptions: “This is the best way to address these worries and ensure that those fleeing the world’s worst tragedies continue to receive the help and support they deserve.”
Dominique Hyde, UNHCR’s Director of External Relations, highlights the need for better communication: “Erosion of public trust and empathy is a huge barrier to creating a safe and welcoming environment for refugees.”