Longitudinal and spatial perspectives on the mismatch of tertiary educated migrant workers in the Czech labour market: The case of Ukrainians

Abstract

The topic of an education-occupation mismatch of tertiary educated migrant workers in receiving countries is an important issue in contemporary research in international migration, especially in the context of growing international economic competition. In this article, we analyse the level of mismatch of tertiary educated migrant workers in the Czech labour market, with a particular focus on Ukrainian workers. Using a unique set of statistical data, several conclusions can be drawn from a longitudinal approach, as well as multiple regression analysis in order to identify possible determinants of the mismatch at a district level. First, the mismatch of tertiary educated migrants does exist and is growing over time. Second, it seems that the level of mismatch is higher in economically progressive districts with higher numbers of qualified domestic and foreign workers, which creates a higher level of competition in the labour market. As a result, a relatively higher share of tertiary educated migrant workers end up over-educated in professions they find in the secondary labour market in these districts. Using the example of Ukrainians, the progression of tertiary educated migrants into the Czech labour market over time faces rather limited vertical mobility, with a slight progression to more skilled occupations. This can be related to the complexity of factors from individual to institutional levels of analysis.

International migration to an economically lagging EU region: case study of Ukraine and Eastern Slovakia

“…It is very likely that an analogous mismatch of tertiary-educated Ukrainian migrant workers, similar to that found in Czechia by Valenta and Drbohlav (2018) also exists in the Slovak labour market, although such analysis goes beyond the scope of the present publication.…”

“…The most frequent industries are the manufacturing, and health and social work activities, which offer occupations matched to the level of acquired education by 65% and 90%, respectively. The level of deskilling in the manufacturing industry is similar to that in sales, administrative, and support services, as well as accommodation and food service activities (Valenta and Drbohlav 2018).…”

“…Regarding skilled immigrants, the concept of over-qualification has to be taken into account. From theoretical perspectives, these individuals possess higher educational attainment than is required by their job position (Green andZhu 2010, Valenta andDrbohlav 2018). It is believed that at the level of individual migrants, over-qualification is caused by their aims at the labour market, thus opting for a professional career or just adapt to the best-paid employment (Trevena 2013).…”

“…The Ukrainian migrants represent a typical example of skilled individuals, who have been educated in the ex-USSR educational system (Valenta and Drbohlav 2018). This ensemble is usually regarded as well qualified for the need of the host country's labour market.…”

From fluid migration to stable circular migration: A case study from Hungary

“…Finally, the article concludes by embedding the findings in possible explanatory frameworks and mechanisms. Other related topics, such as integration of immigrants and multilevel governance of migration, are beyond the scope of this article (King and Lulle 2016;Valenta and Drbohlav 2018;Durnik 2020).…”