Immigrants in Germany experience lingering wage disparities through succeeding generations
A recent study sheds light on the key factors that could help migrants gain access to higher-paying jobs in Germany, addressing the persistent wage gap of nearly 20% compared to native-born workers. The report, edited by Kieran Burke, highlights the importance of dismantling structural barriers, providing language assistance, recognising foreign credentials, expanding professional networks, and improving information dissemination as critical steps towards this goal.
The study underlines that unequal pay for the same roles is less of a problem than migrants being excluded from better-paying sectors. This highlights the need for comprehensive integration strategies that combine language support, credential recognition, network development, and tailored support services to improve migrants' labor market outcomes in Germany.
Among first-generation migrants, Spain has the largest wage disparity (29.3%), followed by Canada (27.5%), Norway (20.3%), Germany (19.6%), and France (18.9%). However, the report does not provide specific details about wage gaps in other countries for second-generation migrants, except for the US, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Notably, Canada has the lowest wage gap for second-generation migrants (1.9%), while Norway still shows an 8.7% disparity.
The study's co-author, Malte Reichelt, stresses that integration is primarily about breaking down structural barriers to access well-paid jobs. He emphasises the importance of ensuring that migrants have equal opportunities to secure well-paid positions, rather than focusing solely on wage equality within existing sectors.
While the report does not mention specific language or qualification recognition programs, it suggests that these are crucial for migrants to gain recognition for their skills and qualifications, thereby improving their access to higher-paying industries. Additionally, the report underscores the need for better information sharing to keep migrants and their descendants informed about job markets, integration services, and pathways to well-paid jobs.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the factors that could help improve access for migrants to well-paid jobs in Germany. By addressing structural barriers, providing language assistance, recognising foreign credentials, expanding professional networks, and improving information dissemination, Germany could take significant strides towards reducing wage disparities and ensuring equal job access across generations.
- The study, published in international general news, reveals that Africa and the Middle East could potentially benefit from Germany's migration policy-and-legislation changes, as it may help migrants from these regions secure higher-paying jobs.
- In light of the study, the focus should not just be on equalizing wages but ensuring migrants have equal opportunities to access well-paid jobs, particularly in areas like Africa and the Middle East, where wage gaps are likely to be significant.
- The report also suggests that for countries like Africa and the Middle East, where language barriers and unfamiliar qualification systems might be more prominent, implementing language recognition programs and credential evaluation services could significantly improve migrants' access to higher-paying sectors.
- Considering the high wage disparities in many countries, including Germany, Spain, Canada, Norway, France, and the US for both first- and second-generation migrants, it is crucial for politics and policies in Africa and the Middle East to address these issues, ensuring sustainability and economic advancement for their citizens through migration.
