New research on labour market integration among migrant parents

Parenthood is often considered one of the most fulfilling aspects of life, yet for many migrant parents, entering the labour market can be particularly difficult. This challenge is especially pronounced for migrant women, who may face additional barriers in securing employment. How can the Nordic countries harness the skills, knowledge, and potential of migrant parents? How can we create policies and initiatives that support both mothers and fathers on their journey toward better employment opportunities?

Family and gender policies across the five nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) have led to high maternal employment rates, including among the immigrant populations. Nonetheless, having small children is associated with disproportionately lower employment rates for migrant mothers, which has led to pronounced gender gaps in employment among the countries’ immigrant populations. These gender gaps, along with gaps between the native- and foreign-born, highlight the fact that a focus on migrant parents in integration and family policy is crucial to promoting equality throughout the Nordic countries.  

Many policies implemented in the Nordic countries encourage labour market participation of migrant mothers and improve outcomes for their children. For example, integration programmes that offer flexible parental leave periods, childcare options and extended periods for completion provide support for migrant mothers who are likely to have children soon after arrival. Well-directed outreach measures can also encourage participation by expanding social networks and improving access to information. Certain family policies, such as price-reduction schemes and universal coverage for formal childcare not only promote the employment of migrant mothers, but also improve the educational outcomes and labour market inclusion of their native-born children.  

Nonetheless, some family policies can also exacerbate inequity between migrant and native-born parents. For instance, parental leave benefits that are strictly linked to employment can exclude recently arrived migrants with weaker labour market attachment from accessing benefits. Other family policies can amplify gender gaps among the migrant populations. For example, flat-rate parental leave benefits that can be used over extended periods and are not earmarked for mothers and fathers individually might inadvertently lead to migrant mothers disproportionally staying out of the labour market. 

The outcomes of mothers and fathers in the Nordic countries suggest that addressing limitations and expanding effective family and gender policy can improve the well-being of migrant families. Taking a whole-of-family approach to migrant integration contributes not only to improving the well-being of migrant mothers and fathers, but to promoting the success of the generations that will follow.