Earlier this week we talked about the 2023 Survey of Adult Skills, conducted by the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). The survey examined the abilities of adults aged 16 to 65 in literacy, numeracy, and adaptive problem-solving across 31 countries. The survey however revealed important challenges faced by immigrants in acquiring and utilizing these skills, skills which are crucial for their successful integration into host countries’ societies and labor markets.
These foundational skills are essential for personal development, economic participation, and societal engagement.
In today’s article we go deeper into the skill gap among immigrants.
Skill Gaps Between Immigrants and Natives
On average, foreign-born adults scored 44 points lower in literacy compared to native-born adults. The most substantial gaps were observed in:
- Finland: A 105-point difference, partly due to language barriers and the smaller immigrant population.
- Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands: Gaps of around 70 points highlight challenges in integrating immigrants into education and training systems.
Smaller gaps were noted in:
- Ireland (10 points), Chile (19 points), and New Zealand (20 points), suggesting more effective policies or linguistic and cultural integration.
Worsening Trends
Notably, in 11 countries—including Germany, France, and Poland—immigrants’ literacy proficiency has declined over the past decade. In contrast, native-born adults in these countries have maintained or improved their literacy levels, leading to a widening skills gap. For instance, in Germany, the disparity between native-born and immigrant adults increased by 28 points during this period.
These findings clearly show the persistent challenges immigrants face in acquiring essential skills, which are vital for successful integration into host societies and labor markets. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth and social cohesion.
Impact of Immigration on National Averages
In countries like Austria, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden, an increase in the immigrant population with lower literacy skills has led to a slight decline in overall national literacy scores, approximately a 5-point decrease. However, this factor alone does not fully explain the broader declines in literacy observed in some countries.
For instance, in Spain, despite a significant influx of immigrants, the country’s literacy performance has remained relatively stable. This stability is partly because many other countries have experienced declines in literacy, making Spain’s position appear improved in comparison. Between 2013 and 2022, Spain received nearly 6.5 million immigrants, primarily from Latin America, Africa, and the European Union. Despite this demographic change, Spain’s literacy scores have not significantly deteriorated, suggesting that factors beyond immigration, such as educational policies and integration efforts, play crucial roles in maintaining literacy levels.
The results show a clear need for comprehensive integration policies that address language acquisition, recognition of foreign qualifications, and access to education and training for immigrants. Such measures are essential to mitigate potential negative impacts on national literacy averages and to promote social cohesion and economic growth.
Barriers to Success
- Language Proficiency: Lack of fluency in the host country’s language remains the most significant hurdle for immigrants in almost all countries.
- Recognition of Qualifications: Skills and certifications obtained abroad are often undervalued or unrecognized in host countries.
- Access to Training: Immigrants face limited opportunities for adult education, exacerbating skill disparities.
- Socio-Economic Challenges: Lower incomes, precarious jobs, and limited access to resources make it harder for immigrants to participate in skill-building programs.
Recommendations for Improvement
- Invest in Language Training: Offer high-quality, affordable language courses tailored to the needs of immigrants.
- Improve Recognition of Skills: Establish robust systems to validate and recognize foreign qualifications and prior learning.
- Expand Lifelong Learning: Provide accessible and flexible adult education programs, especially for low-skilled immigrants.
- Enhance Support Services: Address socio-economic barriers by providing support for housing, childcare, and transportation to enable participation in training programs.
- Strengthen Community Integration: Foster cultural and linguistic exchange programs to ease integration into local communities.
Why It Matters
Immigrants play a crucial role in the workforce and contribute significantly to economic growth and social diversity. Bridging skill gaps is not just an issue of fairness but a necessity for inclusive development and societal cohesion. Countries that prioritize the integration and upskilling of immigrants will benefit from a more dynamic workforce, better prepared to meet future challenges.
Ironically in July 2024 the European Commission presented a report saying that low-skilled migrants also have their place in Europe’s labour markets, as it allows for the employment of natives in highly-skilled occupations and compensate for shortages of low-skilled workers in industries where they are needed.
Below is a video of Migration Policy Centre’s director Philippe Fargues presenting the report.