Do Different Doors Lead to Different Paths? Reasons for Immigration and Job Search Methods

Abstract

This paper explores differences in job search methods between UK natives and migrants by reason for immigration to the UK (i.e. employment, study, family and asylum). The analysis reveals key differences in job search behaviours across migrant groups, which reflect their likely interactions with natives and government authorities before joining the labour market. In particular, those who migrated originally for study reasons, many of whom spend some years in the UK before entering the labour market and have greater interaction with natives, are more similar in their job search methods to the UK-born than other migrants. Those who migrated for employment reasons, most of whom had a definite job upon arrival in the UK, rely more on private agencies than the UK-born. Finally, those who migrated for asylum reasons, and who have frequent interactions with government authorities during the asylum process, are more likely to rely on public employment agencies. These differences in job search behaviours could explain previous findings showing that migrants coming via particular routes integrate faster than others.

Keywords: Immigrants, Integration, Job Search Methods, Labour Market, Reason for Migration