Abstract:
This study investigated the migration experiences of Serbian skilled migrant women in terms of their labour market and social integration in New Zealand. Despite the fact that Serbian skilled migrant women are considered ‘invisible’ migrants in New Zealand, their stories revealed the barriers and strategies employed in the labour market and in their social engagement and integration. The aim of this study was to contribute to the body of research that focuses on ‘invisible’ but marginalized skilled migrant women in order to add to the knowledge of international migrant settlement and integration. This research was guided by the feminist qualitative research methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with three participants and data was analysed using thematic analysis. The key findings in this study reveal that some highly skilled migrant women from Serbia faced employment barriers in New Zealand, linked to their lack of local qualifications, work experience, and social networks. Discrimination is also discussed as a key barrier to successful labour market integration. However, the status of a ‘tied migrant’ is also shown as a determinant of one’s successful integration outcomes, with this status having negative consequences on the labour market outcomes for some participants. Social integration is explored through consideration of personal relationships at and outside the workplace with the host society, and engagement in voluntary associations. Finally, participants’ future plans are explored, revealing that those participants who experienced a poor labour market and social integration did not wish to remain in New Zealand. The study has yielded contributions to the topic of an under-researched migrant group in New Zealand. It has served as a platform for these migrant women to share their voices and views on their migration experience. The implications of this study can be used for further studies and policies which will contribute to the improvement of conditions of skilled migrant women in New Zealand. This will, in turn, benefit New Zealand in terms of the impact of migration on the local economy and the contribution of skilled women migrants.
