Quest for employment in developed countries

But the real driver of discriminatory practices likely lies in stereotypes, misguided perceptions about the country where an applicant is a national and mistrust against foreigners

The leg of travel and the search for job overseas is considerably very tumultuous process, especially when it comes to people from THIRD WORLD countries. These are the very challenges that stem from a complex interplay of socio-economic disparities, geopolitical dynamics and cultural differences — which stand as immense obstacles to integration or economic participation by migrants in host countries. The rise of globalization has helped in human mobility across borders, but the path to a better world is still rugged for citizens from underdeveloped countries.

One of the biggest roadblocks for people like us is to cope up with this intricate maze of immigration law & visa sanctioning. Advanced countries would approve visas very strictly for those who seek a visa from developing nations after scrutinizing them through financial stringency, background investigation and extensive waiting time. These mechanisms are especially demoralising because in most cases, they cater to selection as in goodwill of those with better qualifications or more wealth/skills required at the host country. When visas are issued, they typically contain restrictions that narrow the kinds of jobs for which an individual can become employed. Some visas limit work to temporary or part-time employment, others require a specific employer making it difficult wage increases are available through alternative employers.

Even if admitted, the other important problem for jobseekers from third world state is that again much of their education and qualifications are not recognized. In many instances, degrees earned\certifications and work experience are not accepted by employers or regulatory bodies of the host country. For professionals who have spent decades in their education and career, this lack of recognition is particularly disappointing as well as infuriating when the qualifications earned are downplayed or seen to be irrelevant overseas. This is a process that can be lengthy and expensive with many programs requiring individuals to go through additional training, certification or assessments in order for it to officially recognize one's qualifications. This has the effect of preventing them from entering in workforce early and also represents an extra financial burden for those new immigrants who are genuinely interested to adapt into a completely different social environment.

One of these is language proficiency which has the potential to make or break an entire job search in a foreign country. This may put nationals from countries where English is not the first language, or in some cases even the common tongue of a host nation at an inherent disadvantage. Sometimes a language barrier can prevent you from selling yourself, and then it just seems like an opportunity that slipped away… Language barriers still affect job performance long after individuals have successfully landed a position, creating misunderstandings with other employees as well as the inability to follow instructions or grasp basic company policies. This struggle is often exacerbated by a lack of cultural understanding, which can cause even more miscommunications or feelings of social solitude. For example, norms of communication styles or workplace hierarchies in the host country may diverge significantly with those from his/her home country; and it is challenging for an individual to get used to a new environment effectively.

For those nationals from developed countries, the final article weighs in with discrimination and biased being just a few more obstacles that need to be overcome for job seek abroad. We like to think that the world is a pretty fair and free place, but systematic discrimination does still exist in most of societies. These biases may take the shape of low pay, jobs scarcity or minimal chances for career growth specifically to those coming from third-world countries. But the real driver of discriminatory practices likely lies in stereotypes, misguided perceptions about the country where an applicant is a national and mistrust against foreigners. These prejudices can very much prevent an individual from gaining in stable employment, for instance- putting them under a cycle of frustration.

The difficulties go beyond finding work, with relocation itself posing almost as many problems. People from such countries have difficulties in obtaining a home they can afford, access to healthcare, and social welfare support which is vital for their well-being as well as successful integration into the new society. Meeting new people in a completely different environment, especially if language and traditional norms are involved is tough. Many immigrants themselves end up feeling socially isolated and alienated, thereby making their integration process difficult. The absence of social and legal provisions in some host countries may however render migrant workers susceptible to exploitation. But without proper legal protections, they could face low salaries, dangerous working conditions and few job stability. Being in this vulnerable position can have life lasting echoes, not just on the moment but your financial security and future within a country.

Host countries also need to speak out collectively against the tremendous hurdles faced by Third World nationals in relocating and finding work abroad. Additionally, policies to ensure international qualifications are recognised fairly, along with the provision of language and cultural training alongside a benchmarking for anti-discrimination laws will go some way in helping these people gain access. Strong support systems like legal representation, job placement services, affordable housing and healthcare may also be critical to assist individuals from the Global South in navigating institutional barriers. This will also help them play a positive role in their adopted land as well.

In an era of globalisation, the extent to which people from developing countries are successful in assimilating and succeeding internationally has become both a testament to human endeavour as well as how inclusive or otherwise, desirable cannot be separated from what is equitable. For example, it can liberate that strength of their immigrant populations and create great democracy by building societies richer in the talents not just of a few but most or all residents. Migrating and toiling outside their motherland is not a cake walk or raise of red carpets for people from Third World countries, but effective support system coupled up with well-crafted policies can help them cross all these hurdles building successful and satisfactory better lives — where they land.

The writer is member of staff.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt