The Role of Afghan Refugees in the Economies of Host Countries: A Delphi Study on the USA and Poland

The global Afghan refugee crisis, intensified after August 2021, has led to significant displacement, impacting host countries like neighboring countries, Europe and the United States. This crisis presents both humanitarian challenges and profound social, economic, and political implications. Afghan refugees face legal barriers, discrimination, and language difficulties, yet they possess the potential to contribute positively to host economies through labor participation, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Understanding refugee integration dynamics is crucial for developing effective policies that support refugees and enhance the economic and social fabric of host nations.This study employs a positivist epistemological approach to objectively evaluate the economic contributions of Afghan refugees in host countries specifically in Poland and the USA. It combines secondary data from statistical sources, journals, and previous studies with primary data from panel interviews with experts. Delphi method is used to gather and synthesize expert opinions through iterative feedback rounds. This mixed-method approach integrates qualitative and quantitative data to analyze refugees' influence on the labor market, entrepreneurial activities, production indicators, and consumption patterns, ensuring validity and reliability.The findings shows that Afghan refugees face numerous challenges in accessing labor markets in Poland and the USA, including legal restrictions, language barriers, and discrimination. Despite these obstacles, they show a strong willingness to work. In the USA, Afghan refugees have similar employment levels to other immigrants but often earn lower wages. Supportive initiatives like job fairs and training programs are essential for their employment success. In Poland, limited data indicates many refugees face underemployment and long hours. Addressing these challenges and providing adequate support can unlock their potential, benefiting both refugees and the host country's economy. Afghan refugees also contribute positively to entrepreneurship, innovation, and market demand, enhancing overall economic growth and development in host countries.