Transcript Document

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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Introduction
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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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OBJECTIVES
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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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Topics of Discussion
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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
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Suggestions/Solutions
Canada’s Immigration
Policy
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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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Skilled Workers
Immigration Program
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Largest Share of Immigrants aged 25-44
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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Skilled Workers
Program
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Selection Criteria :
- Education
-Language Abilities
-Employment Skills
-Age
-Arranged Employment
before coming to Canada
-Adaptability
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Skilled Workers
Program
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Example of Qualifying Criteria
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Process of Cross
Cultural Adjustment
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You might assume adjustment to a
new culture might follow a linear
path where as it is actually a Ushaped curvilinear path
See Graph
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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 CrossCultural Perspective)
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Cross-Cultural
Adjustment
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Factors that can help or hinder
Adjustment:
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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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Transition Period:
Settlement Issues
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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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Transition Period /
Penalty: Employment
Issues
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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
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Decision to seek
Employment Outside
Canada
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Unemployment
Underemployment
Inadequate life style
Opportunity to rebuild homeland
Looking for more fulfilling jobs
Systemic racism
Accepting Countries
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Canadian Benefits as a
result of Skilled Workers
Relocation
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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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Social Implications as a
result of these
Decisions
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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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Questionaire
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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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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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Summary of
Questionaire
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Solutions/Suggestions
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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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Suggestions
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Assist immigrants in locating and
accessing relevant information
about
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