Europe: Tackling immigrants’ over-qualification
By Hakeem Babalola
I recently attended a conference in Brussels. Titled
“Over-qualification of Immigrants: an acute manifestation of Europe’s larger
labour market failings”, the two-day conference highlights the problems and solutions
to end over-qualification syndrome among immigrants in Europe.
Whether the aims and objectives of the conference have been achieved depends on individual reasoning or looking at things. And I guess such reasoning or orientation cannot be taken away from each participant. What is important to me however, is the fact that such theme is being discussed at a higher level where European Policy specialists tried as much to arrive at something beneficial.
Consequently, one cannot overlook the threat such issue
have on society. In a time like this, when our society needs people to work at
their potential, it is a tragedy that any kind of over-qualification is taking
place. Even it is a further tragedy (hyperbole?) hearing both immigrants and
non-immigrants testifying to the fact that over-qualification is real.
As participants relate their horror experiences – of
over-qualification – one wonders what Europe really wants to achieve in the
near future. “Is it making the most of our Human Capital by 2020” or “Wallowing
in labour market inefficiency as a result of prejudices?”
Arminda Delvalle who has degree in psychology said that
she had to change her “upgraded degree” because she couldn’t get job. Fani
Kalathaki, a journalist in Greece, put it thus: “I wanted to show that I can do
it, but they put you down because of your accent”. Victor Adeleke explained
that his degree which he obtained from Malta is not recognized in Spain on the
excuse it was obtained from a private university.
This brings the subtle question: Is being qualified an
obstacle in the labour market?
Obviously, when people work below the level of their
qualifications, they contribute less to the economy. And that’s what it is.
Over-qualification is not only bad for society as a whole, it has profound
“personal and psychological” upshot for the underemployed themselves. In
Europe, immigrants, young people and women are disproportionately
over-qualified.
Statistics available at the conference states that “two
thirds of employed high-skilled recent immigrants are in jobs for which they
are over-qualified – versus some 19% of EU-born who have a tertiary level
education and are over-qualified for their employment”.
The problem is described as massive and structural,
affecting the entire labour market, with third country migrants being the most
affected. Thomas Ljungquist, Non
Discrimination Policies, DG Justice, European Commission said that 56% are
discriminated against because of their ethnic origin, adding that there must be
solid legal framework since discrimination is illegal.
In a situation whereby 50% of 50-64-year-olds are
inactive and unemployed, the economic shrinks. The problem is more pronounced
in Greece, Italy and Spain, which makes things more difficult for immigrants.
Particularly it is heavier on more recent arrive and stronger with women.
It is shocking listening to participants from Belgium,
England, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Spain, and Sweden as they presented the
research they have conducted over the years. Xenophobia, racism, negative
attitudes towards migrants, gender inequality, media prejudices are some of the
findings fueling hatred against immigrants in Europe.
Although in UK, there seems to be positive experience
hiring immigrants, immigration status is a set back for employer to hire
qualified immigrants. In Hungary however, most migrants are self-employed,
according to the research conducted by REALISE in the region. In Belgium
meanwhile, immigrants are keen in working for the government or private
companies instead of self-employment.
Above all, recognition of degree, value of qualification,
and lack of proficiency in the language of host country are considered to be
responsible for immigrants’ slow integration. Whether we like it or not, integration
and immigration are needed, posited Jan Saver of Immigration and Integration
Unit, DG Home Affairs, European Commission. I agree with this assertion.
Is tackling immigrant’s over-qualification in Europe an
unsettled issue? Again it is a mater of perspective. Policy specialists at the
conference articulated well; their analyses were convincing; in fact, they seem
to have answer to every question asked. For instance, among others they all
agreed that it is particularly urgent to find ways to make the most of the
human resources of skilled third-country nationals living and working in
Europe.
Yet something seems amiss. I mean if the policy
specialists have answers to all questions put before them, why is the problem
persists? A participant from Stockholm
hit the nail on the head. Over-qualification is not a priority among policy
makers because according to Yelena Drenjanin, we say one thing but do another
thing. Do we even have the right candidate who access people?
REALISE is a project funded by European Integration Fund
with partners in Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Italy, Greece and the UK
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