1. The Impact of Underemployment on Immigrant Families
Alba Féliz-Rodriguez Frank Mamoser
The National Consultation on Career Development Ottawa January 23 – 25 , 2006
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2. Introduction
Under the skilled workers program thousands of individuals are admitted to Canada because of their high level of labour market skills. These workers come to Canada with great hope of building a better life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately for some, their hope does not materialize. Many find themselves unemployed, or underemployed. Due to frustration some will leave their families in Canada and seek employment in countries that recognize their qualifications.
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3. OBJECTIVES
Present and discuss the social implications of the skilled workers immigration policy.
Explore the emotional and economic impact of underemployment/unemployment on immigrants families.
Look at the process of cross-cultural adjustment and its repercussions to successfully integrating within the Canadian workforce.
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4. Topics of Discussion Canada’s Immigration Policy
Skilled workers Immigration program
The Process of Cross-Cultural Adjustment
Transition Period
Decision to Seek employment outside of Canada
Canadian Benefits as a result of Skilled Worker Relocation
Social Implications as a result of this decision
Questionaire and Summary
Suggestions/Solutions
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5. Canada’s Immigration Policy
Approximately 200,000 immigrants will arrive in Canada this year
73% will settle in Toronto , Montreal , and Vancouver
Three Objectives of Canada’s Immigration Policy
The Three Main Immigration Categories
Economic Category
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6. Skilled Workers Immigration Program
Largest Share of Immigrants aged are admitted under this Program(76%)
Three quarters(76%) of the principal applicants were men
Vast majority(87%) have a university degree
80% found employment in first two years
Only 42% found a job in their intended occupation
See Graph on employment and intended occupation
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7. Skilled Workers Program
Selection Criteria :
- Education
-Language Abilities
-Employment Skills
-Age
-Arranged Employment before coming to Canada
-Adaptability
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8. Skilled Workers Program
Example of Qualifying Criteria
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9. Process of Cross Cultural Adjustment
You might assume adjustment to a new culture might follow a linear path where as it is actually a U-shaped curvilinear path
See Graph
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10. Cross Cultural Adjustment
Stages of the Adaptation Process:
-Early Phase: high level of adjustment
-Middle Phase: relatively poor adjustment
-Later Phase: higher and stable level of functioning(employment/social support network)
(source: Social Psychology in Cross-Cultural Perspective)
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11. Cross-Cultural Adjustment
Factors that can help or hinder Adjustment:
Motivation for entering new culture
Difference of new culture from one’s own
Rural/urban origin
Social support and assistance from host culture
Having one’s family along can often exacerbate cultural adjustment
Attitude/disposition
Expectations
Previous experience abroad
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12. Transition Period: Settlement Issues
Climate
Language
Diet
Housing
Applying for documents
Schools for self and children
Social network
Stress associated with uncertainty and change
Sense of loss
Feeling of incompetence
Gender role reversal
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13. Transition Period / Penalty: Employment Issues
Lack of Canadian Work Experience
Foreign Credentials unrecognized
Limited amount of time to enter labour force
Discrimination/racism
Ageism
Knowledge of Canadian labour market
Cultural Competencies
Immigration Status
Language barriers
Shortage of jobs in certain fields
Criminal record/security clearance
Inability to market self
Lack of networks
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14. Decision to seek Employment Outside Canada
Unemployment
Underemployment
Inadequate life style
Opportunity to rebuild homeland
Looking for more fulfilling jobs
Systemic racism
Accepting Countries
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15. Canadian Benefits as a result of Skilled Workers Relocation
Monies entering Canadian Economy from Abroad
Reduction in Social welfare expenditure
Additional Expertise/experience acquired by Skilled Workers
Reduction of Canadian Unemployment rate
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16. Social Implications as a result of these Decisions
Personal Problems
Marital Problems
Parenting Issues
Social Welfare issues
Poor Image of Canada and it’s Immigration policy I.e. NotCanada.com
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17. Questionaire Questionnaire
1. How well were you prepared to enter the Canadian labour force?
2. What information were you given by the Canadian consulate prior to coming to Canada with regards to employment?
3. Do you feel the information was accurate?
4. What would you say to other newcomers about immigrating to Canada?
5. What were the circumstances that led you to leave Canada and seek employment overseas?
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18. Questionaire
6.What are some of the difficulties you face while working overseas?
7. What has been the impact on your family?
8. How could the Canadian Immigration Services have helped you to avoid this situation?
9. Do you have any other comments?
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19. Summary of Questionaire
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20. Solutions/Suggestions
Promote settlement in economic Zones of Canada other than Ontario , Quebec , and B.C.
Support the introduction of immigrants workers to the environment and culture of Canadian workplaces through mentoring and others programs
Assist immigrants
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21. Suggestions
Assist immigrants in locating and accessing relevant information about
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