Navigating Administrative Burden: The Role of Bureaucratic Self-Efficacy and Social Capital Among Ukrainian Asylum Seekers

This study investigates how Ukrainian asylum seekers in Switzerland experience administrative burdens during their early integration under temporary protection status S. Drawing on the concepts of bureaucratic self-efficacy and social capital, it examines how individual and social resources shape perceived administrative burden. Data were collected through a survey distributed via a Zurich-based NGO’s Telegram channel, which also included open-ended responses providing additional context to participants’ experiences. Findings show that higher bureaucratic self-efficacy significantly reduces perceived burden, while support from third-sector organizations – representing linking social capital – also plays a critical role. In contrast, bonding capital (e.g., family and friends) and general social media use have limited impact. The study contributes to both public administration and migration research by refining the conceptual understanding of social capital, highlighting the value of intermediaries in public service delivery, and emphasizing the importance of designing accessible systems supported by institutional and civil society actors.