Migrants who speak better Dutch are more likely to find permanent employment
People who speak the Dutch language have better chances in the labour market. PhD candidate Giacomo Boffi’s message is therefore: invest in language lessons for migrants.
For his doctoral research, Giacomo Boffi, an economist and Italian migrant, studied the extent to which migrants have integrated into society. He discovered that learning the Dutch language helped migrants integrate more fully. The economist linked data on permanent and temporary employment to the language proficiency of migrants. It was evident that migrants in general are more likely to have temporary jobs. However, the more proficient they are in the Dutch language, the better their chances of finding permanent employment. Boffi says that there is nothing wrong with temporary work. ‘It makes you more flexible and that’s a good way of getting work experience, certainly for young people who are starting out in their career. Temporary jobs, though, can also be a source of uncertainty, particularly for older people or those with a family.’ According to Boffi, if income is uncertain in the long term, it can place people in a vulnerable position.
Why language matters
The ease with which a person is proficient in language can help them secure employment, possibly leading to a permanent position. Speaking Dutch, for instance, will open doors to more jobs at a higher level in the Netherlands. ‘If you speak the language well, you'll be more confident in job interviews and that can help get you the job,’ says Boffi. He adds that language proficiency can also help when it comes reading and understanding vacancies or when networking. 'Building a network of contacts can also help getting promoted to a permanent position or meeting a new employer.'
Language lessons
Most people who want to stay in the Netherlands would prefer to have a permanent job. The better a person speaks Dutch, the more likely they are to get such a job. ‘I’d advise anyone who’s just arrived and wants to build a life here, to start learning the language straight away,’ says Boffi.
One obvious option, he believes, is that the government offers language lessons. The researcher realises, however, that even if the government were to do so, it’s no guarantee that people will actually become proficient. 'You can't force people to learn a language, they have to be willing to take a course.'
Migrants who can take language lessons at a young age and do so shortly after arriving in the Netherlands benefit the most from language lessons. 'It’s a known fact that the younger you are, the faster you’ll learn a language,' says the researcher. He adds that language lessons are particularly useful for migrants who speak not only no Dutch, but also poor English. Boffi: 'These migrants often come from outside the European Union or from non-Western countries, where it’s less common to speak English than, for example, in Europe. But to succeed here in the workplace, being able to speak English is also important. So, because this group also speaks poor English – and is therefore already at a disadvantage – it’s even more important for them to have access to language lessons.'
This affects us all
The economist says that the outcomes of the research can have financial implications. ‘People who wonder why they should be concerned about (migrant) workers on temporary contracts should realise that the outcomes of this research also affect them financially. Vulnerable people with a temporary job are more likely to apply for allowances, for example unemployment benefit, than people in permanent employment. And because these allowances are paid from employee and employer insurance contributions, it affects us all.'
Why is it worth it
As an economist, Boffi understands more than anyone that language lessons cost money. 'But if people can then get better jobs, they’ll be less likely to apply for benefits and will integrate better into Dutch society. Not only that, these people will pay more tax and higher contributions. So, it’s a win-win situation for all.'