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Valuing diversity: guidance for labour market integration of migrants

automatically by local agents, identification and assessment of skills becomes
very important, alongside the recognition of foreign qualifications. Validation and
recognition processes are tools which allow for correct labour market signalling,
improving matching of skills and jobs.
Further, by bridging foreign and national qualifications, recognition
processes tend to offer upskilling for lower-end labour, since they prescribe
bridging courses so that immigrants find an equivalent qualification on an
ascending occupational pathway. This is particularly important when we consider
that demand for highly skilled workers is likely to grow at a faster pace, due to
foreseen high-skill production processes and services, according to Cedefop
skills forecast (Cedefop, 2010).
One of the main limitations of recognition processes is their relative
fragmentation in many European countries, frequently due to the characteristics
of their administrative system. In Germany, for example, although education
policy and the recognition of qualifications are under the regional authorities (the
Länder) which have agreed on shared standards, the prevalent apprenticeship
(dual) system is under federal law (IOM, 2013b). As a result, legislation and
procedures leading to recognition and certification may differ within a single
occupation (as with health professionals). Belgium also has a fragmented
recognition system across its constituting communities, which have different,
independent standards.
Variability and fragmentation can also occur across ministries and agencies
which share responsibility over recognition stages or areas of knowledge
certification. Problems can be associated with university-specific recognition of
certificates in higher education – because of universities’ autonomy – and in
health professions, where the ministry of health certifies professionals, while the
education certificates are issued by education administrations.
The perceived complexity of recognition systems might discourage
immigrants from accessing them and so help to prolong mismatch, with
consequent economic and personal losses. A study carried out by the
International Organisation for Migration (IOM, 2013b), in 2010, in the Czech
Republic showed that 40% of third-country immigrants were discouraged by the
difficulties in the recognition process and that only 31% of those with a work
permit had obtained an equivalence certificate. Further, signposting and advice
concerning recognition systems is often only in the native language of the
receiving country.
As with introductory language courses, some countries have attempted to
minimise language barriers and access to information by developing websites
which provide clear information on recognition and validation. Germany has two

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