A systematic literature review of service-related research on refugees

Abstract

Purpose: This study systematically reviews and conceptualises service-related research on refugees to identify gaps in the literature, derive future research avenues and stimulate interdisciplinary research and practice to improve wellbeing of refugees. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) of 102 journal articles published or available online from 2000 to 2020. Findings: Ten themes are identified across the three phases of the refugees’ service journey (entry, transition and exit). Most of the articles focus on the exit phase. One-third of the literature analyse refugees’ access and adaptation to healthcare services. The dearth of research on other refugee services reflects the failure to attend to all aspects of service provision across all phases of the refugee service journey. Research limitations/implications: While the ten themes across the three phases require scholars’ and practitioners’ attention, different aspects of the SLR’s findings necessitate further investigation. To reinvigorate research and practice, and stimulate interdisciplinary collaboration, a novel Communities of Practice approach is suggested. Practical implications: Practitioners and policymakers should place more focus on the entry and transition phases of the refugee service journey. Social implications: Lack of research and engagement with the first two phases of the refugee journey might come at the expense of refugees. More service support is needed to buffer the journey from homeland to host country. Originality/value: This SLR on refugee-related services is the first of its kind from a service research perspective.