Numerous and often invisible barriers to employment
Obtaining protection in France does not guarantee a smooth professional integration. For many young refugees, it is merely the beginning of a new, uncertain journey. While the obstacles are very real, they are sometimes difficult to perceive for those who do not experience them on a daily basis.
Among the most significant challenges, the language barrier remains central to both employment and social life: without a good command of French, it is difficult to understand job postings, write a CV, or express oneself in an interview.
Added to this is a significant gap between the qualifications held and their recognition in France. 65% of the young refugees we support were graduates in their home countries, but only 37% have a diploma recognized in France. Validating these skills requires long, complex procedures that are difficult to navigate without guidance.
Furthermore, many young refugees live in precarious conditions, sometimes without resources or stable housing. They are often isolated, lacking personal or professional networks, and face discrimination. According to The Human Safety Net, only 42% of refugees find employment one year after arriving in France (compared to 56% of other new arrivals).
The digital divide further complicates access to online services, and a lack of familiarity with French workplace norms weakens job applications.
All these factors gradually erode self-confidence, making professional integration more difficult, longer, and more uncertain.
Mentoring tailored to the journeys and realities of refugees
Since its inception, DUO for a JOB has offered intergenerational mentoring between a young job seeker and an experienced mentor over the age of 50. Given the specific realities faced by refugees, our program is adjusted to meet their unique needs.
From the very beginning, each young person benefits from an in-depth interview with our teams. This is not just about identifying a professional goal, but about understanding their entire life context: administrative status, language level, housing, health, access to rights, and life plans. This 360-degree view allows us to identify peripheral barriers and refer the young person to the appropriate organizations. A team of volunteers complements this work by providing support on legal and administrative matters.
The mentor/mentee duo then meets weekly for six months, for at least two hours at a time. This long-term, consistent commitment helps build a relationship of trust, which is the essential foundation for effective support. The mentor becomes a guide, a source of support, and a bridge to the host society. They help structure a career plan, understand the expectations of the French job market, prepare for interviews, highlight the mentee's background, and, above all, ensure they feel heard, legitimate, and valued. As a result, 90% of the young people we support say they feel more autonomous in their job search.
All mentors receive specific training on the realities of the migration journey and asylum-related issues, and are continuously supported by our program coordinators. A dedicated resource platform is also available to them to deepen their understanding and help them adapt their approach.
Action rooted in an ecosystem committed to refugee integration
To amplify the impact of our work, DUO for a JOB actively participates in committed coalitions alongside public, non-profit, and private sector partners.
We are members of and serve on the board of the Work With Refugeescoalition, which works to improve integration pathways for refugees across the country. This coalition focuses on:
- highlighting talent and combating professional deskilling,
- guiding companies toward more inclusive recruitment practices,
- pooling non-profit expertise to maximize impact.
In the field, we collaborate with theFrench Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) at each of our branches to raise awareness of mentoring among newly protected young people. In Paris, our partnership with the Maison des Réfugiés includes site visits, information sessions, and regular events.
We also participate in job fairs dedicated to refugees, both locally and nationally, and collaborate with institutions such as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) or the General Directorate for Foreign Nationals in France, to make mentoring a recognized tool for inclusion.
Finally, DUO works in conjunction with key players in professional integration : public services, non-profits, and businesses. These partnerships help remove peripheral barriers to employment, such as French language classes, mental health support, emergency housing, mobility, culture, and sports.
By combining these various actions, we aim to help every young refugee regain confidence, autonomy, and sustainable career prospects.
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