Employment Challenges for Newly Arrived Communities: The Cases of Ukraine and Hong Kong
In this article, we look at RMCs work on 2 nationality specific employment projects, one for Ukrainaians- Employment support for Ukrainians and one for Hong-Kongers- Jobs for Hong Kong.
Employment is more than just a contract between an employer and an employee. It sets a foundation for stability, dignity, and belonging. For many, it also serves as a way to support a family, build a future, and contribute to society. For those who have just arrived in the UK, it means all of this and a lot more. The journey to employment is anything but straightforward.
This blog touches on various challenges faced by individuals and families arriving on two different pathways – Ukrainians arriving under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and Hongkongers settling in the UK through the British National (Overseas) BN(O) visa route. While each group follows a unique immigration pathway, they share many of the same struggles in their pursuit of meaningful employment. Structural barriers like unrecognised qualifications, language barriers, and limited connections have long, have for decades continued to push many newly arrived individuals into low-wage, insecure jobs, wasting valuable skills and experience.
How can the UK government think beyond just granting entry-visas to ensure that newly arrived migrants can fully participate in the economy? The answer lies in rethinking the gaps in employment policies and addressing where they fall short.
The UK has made notable progress in creating legal work opportunities for migrants at the policy level, however, employment-focused integration policies remain fragmented and underdeveloped. There is little coordinated support to help migrants navigate the UK job market, forcing many into roles far below their skill levels.
Key challenges
The key challenges faced by migrants despite having relevant qualifications are:
1. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Many professionals arriving from Hong Kong and Ukraine struggle with the recognition of their qualifications in the UK job market. Some roles require accreditation or retraining, which can be costly and time-consuming. As a result, many highly skilled migrants end up in lower-paid jobs that do not match their qualifications. According to the Office of National Statistics, 68% of Ukrainians in the UK work in sectors different from their previous occupations, highlighting the skills gap issue. In a recent study by think tank British Future and non-profit group the Welcoming Committee for Hong Kongers (WCHK), 52% of Hongkongers who have moved under the BN(O) visa scheme are jobless.
2. Language Training Linked to Work
While many Hongkongers and Ukrainians have strong English proficiency, differences in workplace culture, professional etiquette, and industry-specific language can create additional barriers. For some Ukrainians, language may be a more significant challenge, with 32% citing it as a key employment barrier in an ONS (2023) survey. Workplace adaptation, including understanding job expectations and communication styles, remains an issue for many new arrivals.
3. Lack of personal and professional networks
Normally, jobs in the UK are secured through informal networks and referrals, making professional networks an essential aspect of the job search process. However, newly arrived migrants often face significant challenges in this regard, as they typically lack established connections within their industries or the local job market. This lack of networking opportunities can severely limit their access to job openings, mentorship, and crucial career development pathways, ultimately hindering their professional growth and integration into the workforce. Without these networks, migrants may struggle to build the relationships necessary for career progression and long-term employment stability.
Building a More Inclusive Job Market
In order to address these challenges and bridge the gap, a balanced approach using both policy intervention and community engagement is required.
1. Building a More Inclusive Job Market: Ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, have equal access to opportunities. This can be achieved by promoting diversity and inclusion within companies and creating policies that encourage inclusive hiring processes.
2. Enhancing Qualification Recognition: By creating standardised frameworks for recognising foreign credentials, employers can have more confidence in hiring skilled migrants, and migrants themselves can feel validated in their education and experience.
3. Improving Workplace Integration Support: Integration training tailored to workplace settings can enhance employability and confidence in professional interactions. Providing workplace support that focuses on cultural integration can reduce barriers for skilled migrants and make them more effective in their roles.
4. Expanding Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Establishing mentorship programs, networking events or platforms can help migrants build connections, gain insights into their industry, and increase their chances of finding job opportunities.
5. Promoting Fair Access to Professional Development: Providing access to professional development programs can help migrants upskill or reskill to meet local job market demands. Training and certifications tailored to the needs of migrants, such as bridging programs or workshops, can enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
6. Creating Awareness Campaigns on Migration Benefits: Continually educating employers and the general public about the value skilled migrants bring to the workforce, can help shift societal perceptions and reduce discrimination fostering a more welcoming and supportive environment.
Employment is crucial for stability and belonging, but many skilled migrants struggle to find appropriate employment opportunities. While the UK has made progress in providing legal work opportunities, improving policies and support for employers and communities is essential for successful integration. Addressing these challenges will benefit both migrants and the economy as a whole.
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