Migration and Irregular Work in Austria : A Case Study of the Structure and Dynamics of Irregular Foreign Employment in Europe at the Beginning of the 21st Century

Abstract

IMISCOE is a Network of Excellence uniting over 500 researchers from various institutes that specialise in migration studies across Europe. Networks of Excellence are cooperative research ventures that were created by the European Commission to help overcome the fragmentation of international studies. They amass a crucial source of knowledge and expertise to help inform European leadership today.Since its foundation in 2004, IMISCOE has advanced an integrated, multidisciplinary and globally comparative research programme to address the themes specified in its name, short for: International Migration, Integration and Social Cohesion in Europe. IMISCOE members come from all branches of the economic and social sciences, the humanities and law. The Network draws from existing studies and advances innovative lines of inquiry key to European policymaking and governance. Priority is placed on developing a theoretical design to promote new research and offer practical alternatives for sound policy.The IMISCOE-Amsterdam University Press Series was created to make the Network's findings and results available to researchers, policymakers, the media and the public at large. High-quality manuscripts authored by IMISCOE members and cooperating partners are published in one of four distinct series.Research Reports Dissertations TextbooksThe RESEARCH series presents empirical and theoretical scholarship addressing issues of international migration, integration and social cohesion in Europe. Authored by experts in the field, the works provide a rich reference source for researchers and other concerned parties.The REPORTS series responds to needs for knowledge within IMISCOE's mandated fields of migration research. Compiled by leading specialists, the works disseminate succinct and timely information for European policymakers, practitioners and other stakeholders.The DISSERTATIONS series showcases select PhD monographs written by IMISCOE doctoral candidates. The works span an array of fields within studies of international migration, integration and social cohesion in Europe.The TEXTBOOKS series produces manuals, handbooks and other didactic tools developed by specialists in migration studies. The works are used within the IMISCOE training programme and for educational purposes by academic institutes worldwide.IMISCOE Policy Briefs and more information on the Network can be found at www.imiscoe.org. Migration and Irregular Work in Austria

A study on undocumented migrant workers in the Dutch household sector

“…) increases the cost of migration. The greater the difference between the net pull and push factors in the origin and destination countries, the more likely it is that migration will take place ( Jandt et al, 2009). Further, there is another theory, which does not study migrants as individuals, but rather the social capital nature of this movement.…”

Foggy Social Structures: Irregular Migration, European Labour Markets and the Welfare State

“…It is this type of semi-compliant working arrangements that represent a growing number of employed migrants in Austria and other parts of the EU (see for the UK). In fact, Jandl et al (2009) identified various means by which a migrant's work status can become irregular or semi-compliant. This research also showed the connection between specific sectors and the demand for a cheaper, more flexible workforce, which in many cases consisted of migrant workers.…”

“…Research into the informal economy has shown the importance of networks, often based on reciprocity and trust, in accessing irregular employment (see e.g. Jandl et al 2009). Equally, many live-in care arrangements in Austrian households are organised by direct hiring.…”

Foggy Social Structures : Irregular Migration, European Labour Markets and the Welfare State

“…Other individuals still may be irregular with regard to accessing certain welfare provisions or some specific circumstance in their everyday lives, while being perfectly regular in terms of employment. The relationship of many foreign workers in Europe with the state is largely characterised by neither a completely legal nor illegal status, so that the distinction itself, though seemingly indispensable, becomes increasingly blurred and occasionally contested (Jandl, Hollomey, Gendera, Stepien & Bilger 2007).…”