Settlement and employment outcomes of black African immigrants in Southeast Queensland, Australia

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the economic integration of black African immigrants settling in Queensland by examining their experiences and views on employment within Australia's labor market. The paper draws on findings from a qualitative study conducted in Southeast Queensland. The study examines how black African immigrants define their identity, socio-economic wellbeing and sense of belonging in white majority Australia. The findings suggest that settlement and integration policies in Australia need to be informed by immigrants' employment experiences. The paper contributes to the literature on the role of employment in the settlement and integration processes of racially and culturally different immigrants.