Resettlement in Europe means thousands of refugees have found safety and a new start
Resettlement in Europe means thousands of refugees have found safety and a new start
Syrian refugees Sara, Amina and Youmna read a book together in their Stockholm apartment. Together with their parents, Hanan and Ali, they were resettled in Sweden from Lebanon through UNHCR.
Across Europe, resettled refugees are proving that, when given the chance, they can significantly contribute to their new communities—boosting economies, enriching cultures and driving success.
As we commemorate Europe Day on 9 May, read these stories of resilience, talent, and the economic contributions of resettled refugees across Europe.
Slovenia – Afghan refugee family finds hope after losing everything in Türkiye earthquakes
The Joinda family fled Afghanistan to Türkiye only to have their new lives upended in the devastating earthquake in 2023. A number of countries offer places to especially vulnerable refugees through the resettlement programme of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Slovenia, with a population of only 2 million, offered resettlement places through a programme with UNHCR. Refugees like the Joinda family were provided with free housing for up to 18 months, language classes and other support to help them get back on their feet. Now, resettlement to Slovenia has given them the chance of stability.
“This is the last destination for us,” says Hasib. “We feel very comfortable in Slovenia. It’s OK, more than OK. It’s perfect.”
Watch the video about how Hasib, Muska and their three children found hope in Slovenia
Ireland – Ismail Mohammed: From Refugee Camp to Aerospace Engineering
Ismail Mohammed was just 12 years old when he resettled to Ireland from Cox’s Bazaar refugee camp in southeastern Bangladesh. As a child, he was mesmerized by the helicopters and aircraft flying above the camp—an early fascination that would shape his future.
Fast forward 15 years, and Ismail is now a 26-year-old aerospace engineer in Dublin. His journey is remarkable, considering he had little formal education upon arriving in Ireland.
The Rohingya community in Ireland are an integral part of their local community. They have played a central role in reviving the local cricket club in Carlow, a small town in rural Ireland. Ismail is a committed member of the community and a wonderful example of the power and life-changing impact of resettlement.
Sweden – Hanan & Ali and their children: A family strengthening Sweden’s workforce
Hanan, Ali, and their three daughters outside their flat in Stockholm. Ali lost his leg when a bomb hit the school near Damascus where he was working as an Arabic teacher.
In 2017, Hanan, Ali and their three daughters resettled from Lebanon to Sweden, eager to integrate and contribute to society. Ali lost his leg in Syria when a bomb hit the school where he worked as an Arabic teacher. The family fled to Lebanon, but limited access to healthcare and education for their daughters made daily life a struggle.
After moving to Sweden, Ali started working part-time at a cooperative gym and as a teacher, while also translating children’s books–combining his love for languages with meaningful work.
Meanwhile, Hanan, a trained biomedical scientist, became a nursing assistant while pursuing additional studies to validate her credentials. Their resilience and dedication show how refugee resettlement strengthens Sweden’s workforce.
Hanan shows her university degree in biomedicine.
Hanan and Ali look through a family photo album together.
Switzerland – Hussam Allaham: Driving Innovation in Tech
Hussam Allaham’s journey in Switzerland is a story of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Resettled from Lebanon in 2015, he is now the CEO and co-founder of Remotecoders, a tech company that allows European businesses to recruit IT professionals in the MENA region to address the continent’s tech talent shortages in the sector.
Thanks to support from the Swiss Government and local foundations, his company has created jobs and helped drive digital transformation. Hussam’s success shows how resettlement not only changes lives but also drives innovation and economic growth across Europe.
Portugal – The Albakkar Family: Bringing Syrian Flavors to Portugal
Syrian refugee sisters Taimaa, Fatima, Saja and Ilaf show off a batch of homemade Syrian cookies in their apartment in a college dormitory.
The Albakkar family was resettled from Türkiye to Portugal in 2020 and the family integrated well in their new surroundings. The father found work at a local construction factory near the small Portuguese city of Covilhã, while the family turned their passion for Syrian cuisine into a thriving business.
What began as a small food stall quickly gained popularity, leading to the launch of a successful online catering service specializing in falafel. Today, their business not only supports their family but also adds flavor to Portugal’s food scene while boosting the local economy.
Watch the video about how students, faculty, and locals in a small Portuguese city rallied around the Albakkars, helping ease the resettled family’s transition and making them feel welcome.
