Conference Agenda

We study the relationship between legal status and occupational outcomes among non-EU international immigrants, offering a unique comparison between Italy and France. Using harmonized survey data on immigrant populations (SCIF, for Italy, and TeO2, for France) including retrospective information on the legal status trajectory of respondents, we investigate how undocumented experience shapes immigrants’ occupational trajectory. First, we define previous irregular experience, distinguishing among continuously legal and previously undocumented immigrants and measuring duration of irregular spells. Second, we study the relationship between previous irregular status (irrespectively from the duration of irregularity) and occupational qualification of the first job after migration. Third, we explore the relationship between duration in irregular status and occupational trajectory over time: we identify patterns of upward, downward, and no mobility between the first and current jobs and we model the risk of having different trajectories though discrete choice modelling, including previous irregular experience as a main independent variable. Preliminary results show that having experienced an irregular spell is more widespread in Italy than in France. However, in both countries having a previous irregular experience is associated with a higher probability of accessing elementary occupations, revealing the role of legal status as a factor of occupational precariousness.

Italy has experienced rapid population ageing, with the share of older individuals increasing from 9.3% in 1960 to 23.1% in 2022, and a subsequently ageing workforce. In this context, job satisfaction has become an important aspect of migrants’ labour market incorporation. However, one crucial, yet understudied aspect is overqualification––a mismatch between workers' qualifications and job requirements. Using the 2022 Italian Labour Force Survey, and applying sex-specific linear probability models and linear regression models, first, we examine the prevalence of overqualification among migrants relative to natives; second, we explore the effects of overqualification on job and wage satisfaction. Results reveal that migrants who arrived in Italy after age 18 have higher risk of overqualification, especially women; conversely, early arrival reduce overqualification risks. We also found that overqualification is negatively associated with job satisfaction, particularly for men, while wage satisfaction is not impacted by age at migration. This research highlights the need for targeted policies to address barriers faced by immigrants in the labour market, especially for migrants who arrived after age 18, and underscores the broader implications of overqualification on job satisfaction and integration within ageing societies. Future work will explore differences by migrant generation and the role of age.

This study investigates the persistent issue of employment discrimination within the European Union, leveraging data from the Second European Union Minorities and Discrimination Survey (EU-MIDIS II) to examine how ethnicity, religion, gender, and other demographic factors impact access to the labor market. Employment plays a vital role in economic stability and social inclusion, yet many individuals face significant barriers due to discriminatory practices. This research focuses on individuals’ experiences during the job-seeking process, as this initial stage is often a critical hurdle for minority groups.

The EU-MIDIS II survey, conducted by the Fundamental Rights Agency, gathers extensive data on perceived discrimination from over 20,000 respondents across different EU countries, categorized by region of origin, gender, education, citizenship status, and other social indicators. Specifically, the study examines discrimination reported by immigrants and minority groups from Sub-Saharan Africa, Northern Africa, and South Asia, identifying patterns related to race, ethnicity, and religion. A logistic regression analysis explores the likelihood of experiencing discrimination during job searches, with variables such as residence duration, age, language proficiency, health status, and marital status considered to understand complex intersections of identity and social factors.

In the context of increasing migration flows and labor market changes, this study examines how migrants and native-born individuals perceive job insecurity under similar employment conditions. Utilising data from the European Social Survey, we aim to explore the factors that influence perceived employment uncertainty (PEU) across different demographic groups. While previous research indicates that migrants may experience different outcomes compared to natives, it remains unclear whether these differences stem from distinct responses to uncertainty or from varying perceptions of what constitutes an uncertain employment situation. By analysing data from the European Social Survey, we aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms that shape these perceptions and experiences of employment uncertainty among migrants and natives. This research is essential for understanding the complexities of employment experiences in diverse labor markets and for informing future studies in migration and labor research.

Population ageing in Italy has driven up demand for household and personal care services, especially for older adults, while welfare resources remain limited. Foreign-born women have become essential in fulfilling these roles, often working under challenging conditions characterised by low wages, limited social protections, and few opportunities for career growth. Although domestic and care works are frequently regarded as undesirable, examining job satisfaction within this group is essential to understanding their well-being, social integration and living conditions. Using the ad-hoc module of the 2021 Labour Force Survey on "Working conditions of immigrants and their immediate descendants" in Italy, we compare native- and foreign-born women as well as domestic and care workers with those in different occupations. Applying OLS models, we specifically examine which group is more likely to report high job satisfaction, how socio-demographic characteristics relate to job satisfaction, and how working conditions influence job satisfaction. Descriptive results highlight that migrant women working in household services have distinct socio-demographic profiles and face unfavorable working conditions, making them more vulnerable. Despite evidence of ethnic penalties, no significant differences in job satisfaction emerge between native- and foreign-born workers in the sub-groups identified.