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Coda Zabetta, Massimiliano & Aldo Geuna (2026): Postdoctoral mobility and returnees' careers in Italian academia. In: Research Policy, Jg. 55, H. 4. DOI:10.1016/j.respol.2026.105456

Abstract

"This paper investigates the relationship between international postdoctoral stays and academic career advancement among researchers returning to the Italian university system. Using a unique dataset of Italian PhD holders observed over a 30-year period, we analyze how international postdoctoral stays are associated with two key career outcomes: (i) the time between PhD completion and first appointment as Assistant Professor (time-to-entry), and (ii) the time between Assistant Professor appointment and promotion to Associate Professor (time-to-promotion). We identify international postdoctoral stays by tracing foreign affiliations in researchers' publication records and examine how their association with career progression is moderated by institutional inbreeding, home-country linkages, and the persistence of international research networks. To explore these relationships, we apply a Cox proportional hazards model combined with entropy balancing. Our findings were validated by using curriculum vitae information for a subsample of researchers. We found that international postdoctoral stays are associated with slower entry into the academic system but are positively related to shorter time-to-promotion. Notably, this association is strongest for researchers promoted at universities other than their alma mater. We also observe that maintaining a strong home-country publishing network is associated with quicker entry as Assistant Professor, while sustained collaboration in postdoc-period co-author networks is linked to faster promotion to Associate Professor." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.) ((en))

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Jayadeva, Sazana (2026): Getting Back on Track: Student Migration From India to Germany as a Route to Desirable Employment. In: Sociological research online, Jg. 31, H. 1, S. 94-110. DOI:10.1177/13607804251341728

Abstract

"This article examines the rising postgraduate-level student migration of Indian engineers to Germany, drawing on interviews with 42 Indians who were applying to, currently pursuing, or had recently graduated from engineering Master’s degrees in Germany. It illustrates how the affordable cost of study in Germany had made postgraduate study abroad a feasible strategy for the study participants to escape the unfavorable job market for graduates of engineering undergraduate programs in India, and attempt to realize their professional ambitions through acquiring post-study work experience at German engineering companies. Such work experience was viewed as having greater social currency in the Indian engineering job market, where most wished to return eventually, than overseas education credentials. Moreover, the article demonstrates how imaginings of Germany as an engineering superpower underpinned the value associated with gaining engineering work experience in the country. This case study shows how in contexts where international students anticipate that the portability of overseas education to a target labor market is uncertain, post-study work experience may be viewed as a safer form of cultural capital to accumulate. Acquiring post-study work experience abroad may then not just be a way to supplement overseas education credentials, as described in existing literature, but the primary motivator of study abroad. It also highlights how, in such contexts, place-based markers of distinction related to a country’s reputation in a particular occupational field can be more relevant in attracting international students than markers of distinction associated with the quality or prestige of its higher education institutions." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kwon, Seoyoung, Jongkwan Lee & Joan Monras (2026): The Effect of Retaining High-Skilled International Graduates: Evidence from the STEM OPT Extension. (CEPR discussion paper / Centre for Economic Policy Research 21224), London, 61 S.

Abstract

"High-skilled migration programs exist around the world in the hope that immigrants complement native workers, allow firms to grow, and boost innovation. We study the effect of one such program by exploiting the 2016 extension of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which significantly prolonged the work authorization period for international STEM graduates. Using a synthetic difference-in-differences approach, we find that the policy successfully increased the local supply of high-skilled immigrants in exposed Commuting Zones. This local inflow stimulated firm creation and the demand for native high-skilled workers. The program might have also boosted innovation in certain sectors and startup investment, especially in Commuting Zones hosting top-ranked universities, where, overall, the effects tend to be larger." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Neville, Ruth & Athina Anastasiadou (2026): Gender dynamics in international student mobility: the case of the United Kingdom. (MPIDR working paper / Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research 2026-004), Rostock, 12 S. DOI:10.4054/mpidr-wp-2026-004

Abstract

"The gender composition of international student mobility (ISM) to the United Kingdom (United Kingdom) has historically favoured female students, but recent trends indicate a decline in their proportions. This paper investigates the changing trends of female international mobility to United Kingdom higher education. It utilises data from the United Kingdom Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) on international undergraduate student applications by gender. This study examines evolving patterns of ISM from both European Union (EU) and non-European Union (non-EU) countries, as well as the trajectories of specific countries of origin. Our findings reveal a decline in the share of female students from non-EU countries since 2021, alongside a reduction in female applicants from the EU post-Brexit. Additionally, we observe that countries like Pakistan and India consistently send fewer female students, remaining below gender parity. Using a Generalised Linear Model (GLM), we model the share of female students and assess the influence of demographic, cultural, and policy factors on the share of female applications. Based on these findings, we provide policy recommendations aimed at promoting gender equity in international student recruitment to the United Kingdom." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Völk, Daniel, Julia Steinkühler & Jessica Ordemann (2026): Studieren, um zu bleiben? Erwerbsabsichten internationaler Studierender in Deutschland. (DZHW-Brief 2026,01), Hannover, 8 S. DOI:10.34878/2026.01.dzhw_brief

Abstract

"Im Wintersemester 2024/25 studierten etwa 400.000 internationale Studierende in Deutschland. Etwa 90 % dieser Studierenden streben einen Studienabschluss in Deutschland an." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Weisser, Reinhard A. (2026): Run, graduate, run: Internationally mobile students’ reactions to changing political landscapes in Europe. In: Public Choice, Jg. 206, H. 3-4, S. 455-487. DOI:10.1007/s11127-025-01313-1

Abstract

"Over the last decades, Europe has attracted an increasing number of internationally mobile students. The related influx of talent into European labour markets constituted an important factor in the knowledge economy. This research addresses the question of whether changing political landscapes in Europe, such as increasing support for right-wing parties, could translate into a diminishing attractiveness of European economies. To this end, international graduates’ staying behaviour in 27 European destination countries is compared based on bilateral stay rates for 144 countries of origin from 2009 to 2019. International graduates are found to display a notable sensitivity concerning the electorate’s preferences: If the potential median voter is located on the right of the political spectrum, the number of international graduates willing to stay declines by about one quarter. This effect is stronger in election years when voters’ political preferences become more salient. Further results suggest that international graduates are also more prone to leaving if the political centre erodes or one of the political fringes becomes too dominant. Eventually, this amounts to a considerable loss for European economies since international graduates have acquired destination country-specific human capital and are easily integrated into host societies." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Addabbo, Tindara & Chiara Mussida (2025): Inequalities in Talents’ Earnings: A Tale of Two European Countries. In: Social indicators research, Jg. 180, H. 2, S. 569-588. DOI:10.1007/s11205-025-03692-w

Abstract

"This paper explores the wage inequalities for the population group of highly talented youth in Italy and Germany, that is the main destination country of Italian talents. We use cross sectional data from the European Union Statistics and Living Conditions Survey for the years 2012 and 2022. We estimate unconditional quantile regression to investigate the wage of Italian and German talents and, within talents, between genders (Italian male versus German male, and Italian female versus German female), across the overall wage distribution. We also apply a decomposition technique of the wage gaps. Our findings suggest a substantial increase in the wage gap at the disadvantage of Italian talents in 2022 largely determined by differences in returns with a higher change for female talents. The gap, indeed, is increasing more for female talents especially at the top of the wage distribution. The gender wage gap within talent shows an increase for talents in Italy (from 10% in 2012 to 22.5% in 2022) and a reduction in Germany (from 27.5% in 2012 to 15% in 2022), with a higher unexplained share of the gender wage gap in Italy than in Germany. An increasing wage gap at the disadvantage of Italian talents, together with better conditions for employed talents in Germany, are consistent with the observed flow of talents from Italy to Germany and call, wishing to increase attractiveness for Italian talents, for policies able to reduce the observed distance within the two countries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Geis-Thöne, Wido, Thomas Obst, Axel Plünnecke & Julia Betz (2025): Volkswirtschaftliche Effekte der Zuwanderung über die Hochschulen. Auswirkungen auf öffentliche Haushalte und Wertschöpfung in Deutschland. (IW-Gutachten / Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft Köln), Köln, 110 S.

Abstract

"Angesichts rückläufiger Studienanfängerzahlen in Deutschland könnten freie Kapazitäten gezielt für internationale Studierende genutzt werden. Wichtige Maßnahmen sind eine gezielte Gewinnung internationaler Studierender, eine bessere Unterstützung während des Studiums und eine erleichterte Integration in den Arbeitsmarkt. Dabei müssen Hochschulen, Politik und Wirtschaft zusammenarbeiten. Allerdings bleiben neben der Fachkräftesicherung auch die Internationalisierung der Wissenschaft und die Ausbildung von Fach- und Führungskräften, die Deutschland ein internationales Netzwerk aus Partnerinnen und Partnern weltweit ermöglichen, zentrale Ziele, die auch erreicht werden, wenn nicht alle internationalen Studierenden in Deutschland bleiben." (Textauszug, IAB-Doku)

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Gomes de Araujo, Anelise (2025): Networking, Employment Services and Information. Key Findings from a Survey on Intra-EU Mobility of High-Skilled Women. In: International Migration, Jg. 63, H. 1. DOI:10.1111/imig.12744

Abstract

"Empirical evidence demonstrates that there has been a significant increase in the number of high-skilled mobile workers in the European Union. Given scant understanding of the experience of female high-skilled intra-EU mobiles, this paper uses unique qualitative data collected through an online survey to investigate their labour market integration. Findings highlighted two main features: first, the use of social networks as an essential strategy on job search and entry; and second, the inadequate availability and access to support services and relevant information. The paper draws on these findings to advocate for a gender perspective about the experiences and outcomes, as well as responses to obstacles in the path of labour market integration of high-skilled intra-EU workers. This is relevant to avoid having these workers' experience invisible and thus to suggest consistent labour market activation policies in support of this group, particularly towards those looking for work opportunities and older workers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Weber, Enzo (2025): Tolle Fachkräfte auf dem Silbertablett. Gastbeitrag. In: BDA Agenda H. 12.

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Amior, Michael (2024): Education and Geographical Mobility: The Role of the Job Surplus. In: American Economic Journal. Economic Policy, Jg. 16, H. 4, S. 341-381. DOI:10.1257/pol.20230279

Abstract

"Better educated workers accept many more long-distance job offers, and relocate quicker following local shocks. I attribute this to a fundamental feature of their labor market experience, unrelated to geography: large returns to job match quality. If a good offer happens to originate from far away, the match surplus is then more likely to justify the cost of moving. This “lubricates” labor markets spatially. Using wage transition data (and a jobs ladder model), I show this can explain the bulk of mobility differentials. These differentials can be closed by subsidizing long-distance matches, and I quantify the cost of doing so." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Coda-Zabetta, Massimiliano, Francesco Lissoni & Ernest Miguélez (2024): International mobility and collaboration of German scientists, 2005-2020. (Studien zum deutschen Innovationssystem 2024-08), Berlin: Expertenkommission Forschung und Innovation (EFI) - Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation, Berlin, 90 S.

Abstract

"This report provides evidence and policy recommendations concerning Germany's role in the global landscape of international scientific mobility and collaborations. Our analysis draws upon a comprehensive dataset from Scopus, encompassing over 5 million articles authored by researchers affiliated with German institutions from 2005 to 2020. We identify mobile scientists and collaborations based on the affiliations reported in their publications. To enhance the mobility analysis, we enrich this data with an ethnic analysis of authors' full names using IBM-GNR library. Additionally, we integrate data on doctoral theses conducted in Germany between 2000 and 2020. Our study explores trends within Germany, comparing its situation with other countries in Europe and globally. It also includes a specialized focus on three broadly defined disciplinary fields: Artificial Intelligence, Bioeconomy, and Advanced Manufacturing. Furthermore, the report assesses the impact of key policy measures such as the Excellence Initiative program, the Alexander von Humboldt professorship, and the AI Strategy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Gusejnova, Dina, Alina Dragolea, Andrea Pető, Andrei-Vlăduț Terteleac, Artemis Photiadou & Rebeka Bakos (2024): Rewarding mobility? Towards a realistic European policy agenda for academics at risk. In: Comparative Migration Studies, Jg. 12. DOI:10.1186/s40878-024-00362-7

Abstract

"This article maps from a critical and comparative perspective how scholars at risk are currently being integrated into the European research infrastructure, as well as in various EU and non-EU Member States. The focus is on three countries ranging from older to newer EU members to one non-EU member state—Hungary, Romania and the United Kingdom—as well as on EU-level organizations. We draw on twelve in-depth interviews conducted with key stakeholders involved in the process of academic migration (non-governmental organisations, EU and national level actors) to identify key issues concerning academics at risk. Finally, we call for a robust EU-level response to an issue that is currently inadequately addressed by national governments, professional associations and NGOs. As we argue, the focus on mobility as a factor supporting research excellence in the regular European research infrastructure can have negative unintended outcomes for scholars at risk. For many of them, rewarding mobility can entail the threat of losing their legal status in temporary places of migration. What is needed is a nuanced approach for scholars at risk in a diverse range of situations, which should involve closer cooperation between international academic bodies and EU policy makers, and complement support for those who need to escape to third countries with the offer of remote work in the country where they are able to obtain a secure residence permit." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Karaulova, Maria, Henning Kroll, Cecilia Garcia Chavez & Hendrik Berghäuser (2024): Researcher mobility and cooperation in the science system. (Studien zum deutschen Innovationssystem 2024-09), Berlin: Expertenkommission Forschung und Innovation (EFI) - Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation, Berlin, 78 S.

Abstract

"This study covers two topics: (1) the analysis of international inventor mobility and cooperation with the focus on Germany; (2) a mobility analysis for researchers in critical career positions in the German research system (professors in German universities, directors of non-university public research organisations, European Research Council and Emmy Noether grant holders). The study of inventor mobility was informed by a literature review. Transnational patent applications in the database PATSTAT in the period of 2000-2020 were analysed. The findings indicate that more inventors leave Germany than come here, however, Germany is an important connecting hub in the international inventor mobility network. The mobility analysis for researchers in critical career positions uses scientific publications in the Scopus database during the years 2005-2021. The results show that international researchers are represented among the critical groups and constitute an important source of talent in the German science system." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Anger, Christina & Axel Plünnecke (2023): MINT-Zuwanderung: Erste Leuchttürme auch im Osten. (IW-Kurzberichte / Institut der Deutschen Wirtschaft Köln 2023,56), Köln, 3 S.

Abstract

"In den für Innovationen, Digitalisierung und Dekarbonisierung besonders wichtigen akademischen MINT Berufen trägt die Zuwanderung nach Deutschland bereits seit Jahren stark zur Fachkräftesicherung bei. Am Beispiel der Ingenieurberufe zeigt sich, dass einzelne Kreise in Deutschland besonders stark von der Zuwanderung profitiert haben. Neben dem Großraum München und wirtschaftsstarken Regionen in Westdeutschland gibt es auch erste erfolgreiche Leuchttürme in Ostdeutschland." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Bluemel, Clemens & Eva Maria Vögtle (2023): Quo Vadis Science Diplomacy – Wissenschaftsmobilität und -kooperation nach der Zeitenwende. (DZHW-Brief 2023,05), Hannover, 11 S. DOI:10.34878/2023.05.dzhw_brief

Abstract

"Geopolitische Spannungen verändern die Rahmenbedingungen für wissenschaftliche Kooperationen und wissenschaftlichen Austausch. Der Krieg in der Ukraine hat in dieser Hinsicht eine Zeitenwende in der wissenschaftspolitischen Diskussion eingeleitet und stellt bestehende Konzepte und Strategien der internationalen Mobilität infrage. Die aktuellen geopolitischen Herausforderungen sind daher Anlass für das DZHW, Forschungshandeln zu hinterfragen und den Dialog mit Partner*innen aus Politik und Vermittlungspraxis zu suchen. Das vorliegende Papier verfolgt vor diesem Hintergrund zwei Ziele: Zum einen werden unterschiedliche Perspektiven im Umgang mit Wissenschaftsmobilität und Wissenschaftskooperationen in geopolitischen Krisen diskutiert. Zum anderen sollen aus dieser Diskussion Implikationen für die wissenschaftliche Auseinandersetzung mit geopolitischen Konflikten abgeleitet werden." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Ehrenfried, Felix, Thomas A. Fackler & Valentin Lindlacher (2023): New Region, New Chances: Does Moving Regionally for University Shape Later Job Mobility? In: Regional Studies, Jg. 57, H. 7, S. 1239-1253. DOI:10.1080/00343404.2022.2119217

Abstract

"The extensive literature on university graduates’ regional mobility highlights the importance of early mobility, but is primarily descriptive. We contribute to the identification of the effect of mobility upon high-school graduation on subsequent mobility across labour market regions. The data permit a novel identification strategy that uses the distance to university as an instrument. To ensure comparability, we select high-school graduates from only the suburban region of a large German agglomeration in a university graduate survey. We find that early mobility leads to a sizable increase in later labour mobility, which has implications for labour market efficiency and distributional policy concerns." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Geis-Thöne, Wido (2022): Fachkräftesicherung durch Zuwanderung über die Hochschule: Aktueller Stand und Handlungsansätze für die Politik. In: IW-Trends, Jg. 49, H. 3, S. 67-88. DOI:10.2373/1864-810X.22-03-04

Abstract

"Um die vor dem Hintergrund des demografischen Wandels zu erwartenden Fachkräfteengpässe abzumildern, sollten in den nächsten Jahren verstärkt junge Menschen aus dem Ausland mit der Perspektive eines langfristigen Verbleibs an deutschen Hochschulen ausgebildet werden. Bislang ist die Bedeutung dieser Zuwanderungsform noch vergleichsweise gering. So hatten im Jahr 2019 insgesamt 307.000 Personen im Alter zwischen 25 und 64 Jahren ihren höchsten Schulabschluss im Ausland und ihren höchsten Studienabschluss im Inland erworben, was 3,0 Prozent aller Akademiker in dieser Altersgruppe entsprach. Hingegen lag der Anteil der erst nach erfolgtem Abschluss Zugewanderten mit 15,3 Prozent mehr als fünfmal so hoch. Allerdings war die Qualifikationsstruktur der Zuwanderer über die Hochschule mit Blick auf die Fachkräftesicherung besonders günstig, da sie wesentlich häufiger als andere Akademiker über Masterabschlüsse und Promotionen sowie Abschlüsse im MINT-Bereich verfügten. Auch übten sie zumeist Tätigkeiten aus, deren Anspruchsniveaus ihren Qualifikationen entsprachen. Um die Zuwanderung über die Hochschule weiter zu stärken, sollte die Politik bei den finanziellen Mitteln ansetzen, die für die Vergabe der Aufenthaltstitel zur Bildungszuwanderung von Drittstaatsangehörigen gefordert werden und ein entsprechendes Stipendien- oder Bürgschaftsprogramm auflegen. Zudem wäre ein gezieltes Marketing für das Hochschulstudium in Deutschland mit der Perspektive eines anschließenden Verbleibs sinnvoll." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Löther, Andrea, Frederike Freund & Anke Lipinsky (2022): Zugänge, Barrieren und Potentiale für die internationale Mobilität von Wissenschaftlerinnen. Eine Untersuchung im Auftrag der Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung. (CEWS.Publik 25), Bonn, 119 S.

Abstract

"Die Studie untersucht die Gründe für die geringe Frauenbeteiligung in Programmen der Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (ein Drittel im Jahr 2018) und gibt Handlungsimpulse, wie die Stiftung mehr exzellente Wissenschaftlerinnen für das Humboldt-Netzwerk gewinnen kann. Für die Potenzialanalyse untersuchten internationale Expert*innen für 14 Schlüsselländer die Repräsentanz von Wissenschaftlerinnen und geschlechtsspezifische Qualifikations- und Karrierestrukturen, insbesondere in Hinblick auf internationale Mobilität. In den untersuchten Ländern zeigen sich bei der Beteiligung von Frauen im Wissenschaftssystem ähnliche Muster der horizontalen und vertikalen Segregation, jedoch mit spezifischen Ausprägungen in einzelnen Ländern. Die Defizitanalyse für drei Programme fokussiert auf die Themen Zugang zu den Programmen und Durchführung des Forschungsaufenthaltes. Verschiedene Referenzdaten zeigen, dass das Potenzial an internationalen Wissenschaftlerinnen, die für einen Forschungsaufenthalt in Deutschland gewonnen werden könnten, nicht ausgeschöpft wird. Für den Zugang zu den Programmen analysiert die Studie Zugänge zu Netzwerken und Kontakten vor der Bewerbung und homosoziale Muster der Zusammenarbeit zwischen Gastgebenden und internationalen Wissenschaftler*innen. Beim Forschungsaufenthalt stehen die Nutzung familienpolitischer Leistungen und Dual-Career im Vordergrund. Als Kontextfaktoren werden die Gleichstellungspolitik der Stiftung und der Exzellenzbegriff untersucht. Abschließend werden Ansatzpunkte aufgezeigt, um mehr internationale Wissenschaftlerinnen für einen Forschungsaufenthalt in Deutschland zu gewinnen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Tani, Massimiliano (2022): Same degree but different outcomes: an analysis of labour market outcomes for native and international PhD students in Australia. In: Journal for labour market research, Jg. 56. DOI:10.1186/s12651-022-00324-5

Abstract

"This paper used data on career destinations over the period 1999–2015 to study the labour market outcomes of native and foreign PhD graduates staying on in Australia as skilled migrants. Natives with an English-speaking background emerge as benefiting from positive employer ‘discrimination’ (a wage premium unrelated to observed characteristics such as gender, age, and previous work experience). The premium is field-specific and applies to graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In contrast, foreign PhD graduates with a non-English speaking background experience inferior labour market outcomes, especially if they work in the university sector. Against expectations to the contrary, completing the highest degree of education in the host country and staying on in the same sector where one acquired human capital does not appear to eliminate lesser labour market outcomes for the foreign-born." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Springer-Verlag) ((en))