The qualifications of immigrants exceed those of Austrians, but job opportunities do not reflect that.
A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlighted that many migrants in Austria are more educated than native-born citizens. Despite their qualifications, a large number of them work in jobs that do not match their education or professional experience.
The report shows a clear difference between migrants from the European Union and non-EU migrants. About 62% of migrants who studied in Austria hold jobs that match their education, while only 27% of university graduates from outside the EU have the same opportunity, revealing significant challenges in recognizing foreign qualifications.
Socially, migrants face difficulties, with about 30% of them living in overcrowded housing, a rate five times higher than that of local residents. Poverty rates among migrants are also higher, especially in major cities, although Austria has relatively low levels of severe social vulnerability on an international scale.
Children of migrants face educational obstacles, with only a third achieving a higher level of education than their parents, one of the lowest rates among OECD countries. PISA test results reveal significant performance gaps between these students and their peers, indicating ongoing systemic challenges.
While employment programs in Austria, including mandatory language courses, have increased migrant participation in the labor market to exceed the European average, the participation of migrant women in the workforce remains low. Family responsibilities prevent about a third of unemployed migrant women from entering the labor market, and the recognition of foreign qualifications remains the biggest barrier to their fair career opportunities.