Refugees in Wales better qualified than locals

Refugees living in Wales are more highly qualified than people born there, according to a university study.

A report by the Centre for Migration Policy Research at Swansea University found that at least a quarter of refugees living in Wales had gained a degree in their own countries.

The study found, however, that they continue to experience high levels of unemployment and underemployment, reports the BBC.

Less than one-third of those surveyed were in work, and those with jobs tended to be employed in clerical, cleaning or factory positions.

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Two-thirds of those surveyed had been employed in their native countries, often in highly-skilled professional jobs.

Professor Heaven Crawley, director of the Centre for Migration Policy Research, said: “This information is crucial for ensuring the Welsh Assembly Government takes the experiences and backgrounds of refugees into account.”