Supporting young MENA refugees in Ireland during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges in service provision and continuity of care

Purpose Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide and with what would appear to be a continuing legacy of ill effects. The aims of this study were to examine the impact of, and responses to, COVID-19 restrictions on newcomer adolescent refugees (aged 13–18 years) who resettled to Ireland from mainly conflict-affected countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Design/methodology/approach One-to-one interviews were conducted with 23 service providers (SPs) working with MENA refugees across community and statutory organisations in Ireland. The analysis was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological framework and Fraser’s Participatory Parity approach in order to understand how immediate contexts as well as wider structures and policies can reinforce inequalities and vulnerabilities among refugee youth. Findings Factors across the chronosystem levels shaped the response to, and delivery of, supports during the pandemic and, importantly, highlighted gaps in service provision which contributed to poor educational and wellbeing outcomes. A more in-depth analysis identified how institutions and practices shape the education and integration of refugees, which are reinforced in the context of health emergencies. More tailored approaches should recognise how students’ engagement with learning can be influenced by wider structures and policies that limit their participation in society. Originality/value The findings highlight the numerous barriers faced by refugee groups during and after a public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how broader ecological systems and factors influence refugee students’ education and wellbeing. The results provide important service provider insights into the educational and health needs of refugees from the MENA region during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these may be used to help inform post-pandemic public health strategies and approaches that focus on targeted interventions for these vulnerable children and yoreung people.