Highly-Educated Immigrants in Sweden

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to provide the reader with insights regarding what Syrian highly-educated immigrants (HEI) in Sweden think are the underlying prerequisites and actions needed to facilitate their entrance into the Swedish job market. Key Research Question: What are the key requirements needed to expedite the employment of HEI in the Swedish job market, and take up relevant jobs within the scope of their studies, as perceived by Syrian HEI? Methodology: Using a mixed-method to collect quantitative and qualitative data from Syrian HEI by using: 1) a survey and 2) a series of semi-structured interviews. Key Findings: According to HEI: • The employer’s low perception of their qualifications poses the biggest employment challenge. • Discrimination is among the least challenging aspects to their employment. • Swedish language fluency is important, but it is not a decisive factor. • Good personality traits such as being persistent, responsible, and goal-oriented as well as having positive attitude and self-confidence, are the most important prerequisites for HEI’s employment in Sweden. • Job training is a valuable requirement that bridges the gap between HEI and employers and accounts for references which increases employability. • Networking increases the likelihood of HEI getting employed and provides them with references. • Prior experience, specifically in Sweden, is highly valued by employers. • The recognition of qualifications and granting of work licenses is a key requirement for HEI with regulated professions, especially medical degree holders. • There is a sign of a variation in the perception of HEI based on their employment status. Employed HEI in Sweden emphasized on requirements relating to personal efforts, and non-previously employed emphasized on requirements relating to external entities. Practical implication: This study raises the awareness of the stakeholders regarding the perceptions and expectations of the HEI. Additionally, it provides relevant insights from HEI’s perspective, which could be augmented into the design of programs that aim to facilitate their employment and overcome the challenges relating to their integration into the job market.