Irregular migration is skilled migration: reimagining skill in EU's migration policies

Irregular migration, defined as movement outside legal regulations, is a growing concern in European migration policies. Existing discussions often frame irregular migrants within a "threat-victim binary," overlooking their economic contributions and skill sets. A lack of data on irregular migrants reinforces this misconception, making their skills and aspirations invisible. This study addresses this gap by exploring how the category of 'skill' is used to otherize irregular migrants. The contrasting treatment of Ukrainian refugees in 2022, who were quickly deemed as having valuable skills and granted temporary protection, versus the consistently negative portrayal of migrants from the Global South underscores this issue. The paper investigates how migration systems systematically devalue skills from non-European backgrounds through restrictive policies and racial biases inherent in legal frameworks. This research uses an interdisciplinary approach that blends studies on skilled migration, postcolonial and decolonial migration studies, and international asylum law to analyze these processes.

The paper reviews existing literature highlighting the lack of data on irregular migration, the "threat-victim binary" in discussions about irregular migrants, and the role of coloniality and racism in shaping contemporary migration policies. It cites studies demonstrating the significant contribution of irregular migrants to various economic sectors in Europe, despite their precarious employment conditions. The authors draw on work showing the influence of colonial legacies on current migration categories and how concepts like 'skill' are utilized to reinforce existing power hierarchies. They also review studies revealing biases in public perception and media coverage that often portray migrants from the Global South as unskilled and undeserving, while portraying European refugees more favorably. The review highlights the social construction of skill and how this construct is used as a tool for inclusion and exclusion in migration policies.

The study employs qualitative methodology, based on 34 semi-structured interviews with irregular migrants who arrived in Belgium between 2005 and 2018. The interviews were conducted in various languages (Persian, Arabic, English, French, Pashto, and Turkish) between 2020 and 2022, both in person and remotely, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The researchers used NVivo for thematic coding, focusing on migrant trajectories and decision-making moments across different phases of migration (pre-departure, en route, and in Europe). The sample included 25 men and 9 women aged between 5 and 30 at the time of their initial migration, originating from Afghanistan, Ghana, Guinea, India, Palestine, Syria, Tibet, Togo, and Turkey. The sample broadly reflects the patterns of asylum migration in Belgium during the studied period. Researchers used pseudonyms and altered certain details to protect participant identities. The analysis involved identifying recurring themes related to the acquisition, devaluation, and impact of skills on migration trajectories, considering factors like education, work experience, and legal status.

The study reveals a significant level of heterogeneity in skills among irregular migrants, contradicting the common assumption of widespread unskillfulness. Many respondents had pre-migration education (high school, college, or vocational training) and work experience, but their qualifications were often not recognized in Belgium. Migration was frequently driven by a desire for education and better opportunities, and education levels influenced migration decisions even within the Global South. The recognition process for foreign qualifications is complex, expensive, and often leads to deskilling. The researchers found that irregular migrants acquired numerous skills during their journeys, including language proficiency (such as English or Turkish), digital literacy, informal skills (bartering, networking), and resilience. However, the long waiting periods for asylum resulted in significant deskilling for many. Respondents reported being steered towards low-skilled jobs, with public employment services often failing to recognize their previous qualifications and experiences. The experiences of women were particularly complex, often encountering barriers both within their communities and in Belgian society, leading to limitations in skill development and recognition. The researchers highlight the impact of the legal status of migrants on their skills and employment opportunities, showing how being undocumented leads to exploitation and acceptance of low-paying jobs.

The findings directly address the research question by demonstrating the significant skills possessed by irregular migrants, and how these skills are often overlooked or devalued by the existing system. The results challenge the prevailing narrative that portrays irregular migrants as unskilled and undeserving, revealing the complexities of skill development and recognition within the context of migration. The study's significance lies in exposing the systemic biases embedded in migration policies that limit opportunities for irregular migrants and perpetuate racial and socioeconomic inequalities. The findings highlight the importance of moving beyond rigid categories and recognizing the dynamic nature of skill acquisition and the need for more inclusive policies.

This paper significantly contributes to migration studies by revealing the high levels of skill among irregular migrants and challenging the inaccurate and harmful stereotypes that often shape policies and public perception. The authors recommend reimagining migration categories and policies to recognize the skills and aspirations of irregular migrants. This includes addressing systemic biases, ensuring swift and safe legal pathways, and reforming employment services to effectively recognize and utilize migrants' skills and experiences. Future research should focus on further exploring gendered aspects of skilled irregular migration, the long-term impact of deskilling, and the development of inclusive integration policies.

The study's sample may not be fully representative of all irregular migrants in Belgium, as it primarily included those who had access to technology and were willing to participate in interviews. The findings may not be generalizable to other European countries with different migration policies and contexts. Furthermore, the study focuses primarily on the experiences of migrants from specific countries and regions. Further research is necessary to fully understand the diversity of irregular migration and how it intersects with skill development.