GEMM: Growth, equal opportunities, migration and markets
Inclusion
Funding
Horizon Europe
Geographic focus
Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, United Kingdom
Dates
1 September 2015 –
31 December 2018
About
An assessment of labour market inequalities affecting migrants and minorities in Europe.
Key Findings
Human Capital: Muslim migrants in Europe often face devaluation of their qualifications and further training.
Undercutting Majority Members: No evidence supports the fear that migrants undercut majority members’ job opportunities in Europe or the UK. In fact, regions with more migrants see higher employment levels for majority members.
Job Quality: In the UK, migrant-heavy occupations do not lower job quality for white Britons. However, second-generation Black Caribbean and Black African men may face job competition challenges.
Ethnic Niches: In Europe, areas with more minorities do not negatively impact the majority’s employment, but minorities and migrants might struggle without useful majority contacts for securing good jobs.
Naturalization: Becoming naturalized often leads to better job opportunities for migrants.
Migration Motivations: Vary by ethnicity, education, skills, economic sector, occupation, and gender.
Macro-level Factors: High unemployment in departure countries doesn’t fully explain migration motives; individual experiences and strategies are crucial.
Integration Complexity: Adjusting to new conditions can be challenging due to complex job search channels and preparation steps.
Successful Integration: Access to the local labour market is key for migrants’ successful integration.
Highlighted Publications and Tools
Report – key findings and policy recommendations on how to improve migrants’ labour market access