The integration of immigrants into the labour markets of the EU

Abstract

"This paper considers the integration of foreign workers into the labour markets of EU member states. It is important that migrants be able to participate on similar terms as nationals in the host society, including housing and education. Equally important to their overall integration in the host country is their equal participation in the labour market. Integration into the labour market is a process, the aim of which is similar gainful employment structures for economically active non-nationals and nationals. This paper evaluates and analyses three specific indicators of labour market integration: the unemployment rate, the employment rate, and the self-employment rate. The results are drawn from the Labour Force Survey data compiled by Eurostat. In all EU countries, the unemployment rate of non-nationals is considerably higher than (usually double) that of nationals. This situation has not improved since the early 1980s. Unemployment rates for the young foreigners, in particular, have remained alarmingly high. The overall unemployment rate for non-nationals conceals marked differences among nationalities. If made visible, these statistical differences would underscore the precarious situation of certain groups (for example, Turks in Germany). Moreover, granting citizenship does not auto-matically eliminate all barriers to employment. It is more difficult for foreign women to find a job than it is for national women or foreign men. The unemployment rate for female non-nationals is generally higher than the overall rate for non-nationals. Across the board, employment rates for foreign women are far below those for national women, and no major convergence has occurred over time. Self-employment rates among economically active non-nationals are showing signs of convergence with those of nationals. However, there are striking differences among countries and between EU and non-EU nationals." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Cite article

Werner, H. (2003): The integration of immigrants into the labour markets of the EU. In: IAB Labour Market Research Topics No. 52, p. 1-29.