OECD Reports: Immigrant Unemployment Drops Below 10%
In a recent report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), new insights into immigrant unemployment and economic activity in 2024 have emerged. The data reveals that immigrant unemployment in OECD member countries has dropped below 10 percent, presenting a stark contrast to the prevailing narrative surrounding immigration.
OECD Overview of Immigrant Employment in 2024
Across the 38 member nations, which include not only 22 European Union countries but also the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, the labor force participation rate of immigrants has surpassed that of native-born populations. The report highlights both the challenges and contributions that immigrants bring to the labor market.
Key Statistics from the OECD Report
- Immigrant unemployment rate: below 10% in 2024
- Average labor force participation rate of immigrants: 77%
- Employment rate for immigrants in the EU: 67.9%
- Unemployment rate for immigrants in the EU: 9.6%
- Year-on-year decrease in permanent migration: 4% in 2024, totaling 6.2 million new immigrants
- Increase in work permits: 26% since 2019, totaling 2.3 million permits
- Record asylum applications: 3 million in 2024, a rise of 13% from the previous year
Trends in Migration and Employment
The report indicates that family reunification remains the primary motivation for permanent migration, complemented by employment opportunities and humanitarian needs. Despite an overall decline in permanent migration, there has been a noticeable rise in work permits issued across member nations.
Interestingly, while the average immigrant may earn 34 percent less than their local counterparts of similar demographics, this wage gap shows signs of narrowing. Over ten years, it is projected that this disparity could decrease significantly, enabling immigrants to access higher-paying sectors.
Regional Variations and Improvements
Countries such as Poland, Italy, and Spain have recorded improvements in both employment and unemployment rates for immigrants. Specific data from Italy shows a decrease of 1.3 percentage points in the unemployment rate among migrants from 2023 to 2024.
European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, recently addressed the positive impacts of regular migration. At a press conference in Brussels, he underscored the importance of harnessing the talents and skills that immigrants bring to the economy, while advocating for well-managed migration flows.
Conclusion
The OECD report presents a comprehensive overview of immigration trends in 2024. It emphasizes the economic benefits of immigrant participation in the labor market while also acknowledging the need for addressing public concerns regarding immigration. As discussions continue, focusing on data-driven insights will be crucial to shaping future policies.
