Analysis of the Labor Market Performance of Immigrants and Refugees from Middle Eastern and North African Countries and their Processes of Integration. A Comparative Study (Spain/Germany)

Abstract

The phenomenon of migration is among the most critical issues facing Europe and many other regions worldwide. The nations of Europe have significantly different histories, policies, systems, and immigrant compositions, and some are more appealing than others as destinations for migration.The present thesis aims to analyze the experience of labor market participation in Spain and Germany for refugees and economic immigrants from Middle Eastern and North African countries – particularly that of Syrian and Syrian/Palestinian refugees who arrived between 2011 and 2019 and have been granted refugee status (international protection), as compared to Moroccan, Jordanian, Lebanese, and Egyptian economic immigrants who have obtained work permits.The thesis contributes to the literature on labor migration in a comparative approach, in this case between Spain and Germany. Drawing from empirical data derived from 40 semi-structured interviews conducted in Spain and Germany, we reveal certain similarities in framework as well as disparities in the labor market participation experience. By implementing the integration model developed by Ager and Strang (2008), we trace the path toward the labor market integration of refugees and economic immigrants, and we delve into relevant barriers and dilemmas faced by immigrants, also highlighting distinctions between refugees and economic immigrants. We seek to offer a comprehensive analysis of the labor market experience, presenting various labor market trajectories in detail. By conducting this in-depth comparative analysis of integration, migration, and labor market policies in both Spain and Germany, we hope to arrive at valuable insights into these two countries...

El fenómeno de la migración es una de las cuestiones más críticas a las que se enfrentan Europa y muchas otras regiones del mundo. Las naciones de Europa tienen historias, políticas, sistemas y composiciones de inmigrantes significativamente diferentes, y algunas son más atractivas que otras como destinos para la migración. La tesis contribuye a la literatura sobre migración laboral desde un enfoque comparativo, en este caso entre España y Alemania. A partir de datos empíricos derivados de 40 entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas en España y Alemania, revelamos ciertas similitudes en el marco, así como disparidades en la experiencia de participación en el mercado laboral. Aplicando el modelo de integración desarrollado por Ager y Strang (2008), trazamos el camino hacia la integración laboral de refugiados e inmigrantes económicos, y profundizamos en las barreras y dilemas relevantes a los que se enfrentan los inmigrantes, destacando también las distinciones entre refugiados e inmigrantes económicos. Pretendemos ofrecer un análisis exhaustivo de la experiencia del mercado laboral, presentando en detalle diversas trayectorias laborales. Al llevar a cabo este análisis comparativo en profundidad de las políticas de integración, migración y mercado laboral tanto en España como en Alemania, esperamos obtener valiosas perspectivas sobre estos dos países...