Labour Market Disadvantages of Citizens with a Migration Background in Belgium: A Systematic Review

Louise Devos, Louis Lippens, Dries Lens (), Francois Rycx, Mélanie Volral and Stijn Baert
Additional contact information
Dries Lens: University of Antwerp

No 16849, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: Labour markets struggle to be inclusive, while diversity is increasing. This literature review examines labour market challenges faced by first- and second-generation migrants in Belgium. We systematically review articles published between 2010 and 2023 in the Web of Science Core Collection to delineate underlying mechanisms, associated solutions, policy recommendations and literature gaps. The literature reveals that individuals with a migration background generally experience poorer labour market outcomes than natives. These outcomes vary based on specific origin and gender and persist from the first into the second generation. The mechanisms underlying these poorer outcomes are discrimination, individual preferences, and human and social capital differences. Recommendations for employers include implementing anti-discrimination policies, fostering awareness of discrimination, and taking affirmative action. On the employee side, investing in human capital, increasing labour market knowledge, and having competencies formally recognised can help to narrow employment gaps. Our review also advocates for policy refinement to combat biases and suggests that alternative pathways to attaining employment, such as self-employment and volunteering, are promising areas for future research.

Keywords: systematic review; labour market; migration; Belgium (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J15 J18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 48 pages
Date: 2024-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-lab and nep-ure
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Published - published in: De Economist, 2024, 173, 121–175

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Related works:
Journal Article: Labour Market Disadvantages of Citizens with a Migration Background in Belgium: A Systematic Review (2025)
Working Paper: Labour market disadvantages of citizens with a migration background in Belgium: A systematic review (2024)
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