Moving to a new country is a big deal. It’s a journey full of excitement, hope, and—let’s be honest—a fair bit of anxiety. For many migrants, the dream is to build a better life, and often, that dream includes finding a job that matches their skills, education, and experience. But the reality? It’s not always that simple. Many migrants find themselves working in jobs that are far beneath their qualifications, a phenomenon that has been observed across the globe. So, why does this happen?
1. Language Barriers: More Than Just Words
One of the biggest hurdles migrants face is language. Imagine having a degree in engineering but not being able to fully express your expertise because you’re still mastering the local language. Even if you can speak the language reasonably well, technical jargon and industry-specific terminology can be challenging.
According to a study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), migrants with higher education often struggle with language proficiency, which directly affects their ability to secure jobs that match their qualifications. The result? Many end up in jobs that don’t require much language skills—like manual labor, cleaning, or service industry roles—simply because it’s easier to get by without perfect fluency.
2. Unrecognised Qualifications: The Paper Problem
Another major issue is that the qualifications migrants bring with them are not always recognised in their new country. For instance, a doctor from Syria might arrive in the United States or Germany and find that their medical degree isn’t recognised without further exams or certifications. This isn’t just frustrating—it’s a massive roadblock.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlights that the non-recognition of foreign qualifications is a significant reason why skilled migrants end up in low-skilled jobs. This lack of recognition means they often have to start from scratch, re-qualifying in their field, which can be time-consuming and expensive. In the meantime, they need to work—so they take whatever job is available, even if it’s far beneath their capabilities.
3. Discrimination: The Invisible Barrier
Unfortunately, discrimination also plays a role. This isn’t just about overt racism; it’s also about unconscious biases that affect hiring practices. A study conducted by Harvard University found that migrants often face discrimination based on their names, accents, or the perception that they may not “fit in” with the workplace culture.
Employers might be hesitant to hire someone with a foreign-sounding name or an accent, even if that person has all the right qualifications. This means that highly skilled migrants might not even get a foot in the door for jobs they’re qualified for, leading them to accept lower-paying, lower-skilled jobs just to make ends meet.
4. Lack of Networks: Who You Know Matters
In many industries, getting a job isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know. Migrants, especially new arrivals, often lack the professional networks that locals have. These networks are crucial for finding job opportunities, getting recommendations, and even just understanding the job market.
Research published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies points out that many migrants lack access to these networks, which significantly impacts their ability to secure jobs that match their qualifications. Without these connections, they may not even hear about job openings that would be a good fit for their skills.
5. Economic Necessity: Bills Don’t Wait
Lastly, the financial pressure to support themselves and their families pushes many migrants to take the first job they can find, regardless of whether it matches their qualifications. The need to pay rent, buy food, and cover other living expenses means that waiting for the “perfect” job just isn’t an option.
A report by the Migration Policy Institute notes that economic necessity often forces migrants to accept jobs far below their skill level, particularly in the first few years after arriving in a new country. Over time, this can create a cycle that’s hard to break out of—working in a lower-skilled job makes it harder to move up the career ladder later on.
What Can Be Done?
Addressing this issue isn’t simple, but there are steps that can be taken. Governments and employers can work to better recognise foreign qualifications, offer language support programs, and create more inclusive hiring practices. Mentorship and networking programs for migrants could also help them make the connections they need to find jobs that truly match their skills.
For migrants, the journey to finding a job that fits their qualifications can be long and challenging. But with the right support and opportunities, they can—and do—overcome these barriers, contributing their full potential to their new communities.
Navigating a new country is hard enough without having to work in a job that doesn’t reflect your skills and experience. By understanding the challenges and working together to create solutions, we can help ensure that you are able to find fulfilling work that matches your talents—because everyone deserves the chance to shine.
