2023-2027 | PhD project
This research examines the complexities of skilled migration, analysing how socio-economic push and pull factors, personal aspirations, legal frameworks, and systemic barriers shape migration trajectories. While policies are designed to attract the highly skilled, they often fail to account for migrants' lived experiences, leading to misalignments between state priorities and individual realities. This study addresses that gap, offering a holistic perspective on the dynamics of skilled migration.
A key focus is the evolving definition of skill in EU migration policies and academic discourse. Traditionally linked to formal education, this research challenges that narrow perspective by considering a broader spectrum of expertise, including professionals who may not fit conventional classifications. It critically examines how skill is conceptualised, politicised, and applied in migration governance, shaping both policy outcomes and migrants’ opportunities.
By adopting an interdisciplinary, mixed-methods approach, this research contributes to both academic discourse and policy development, advocating for tailored migration policies that recognise not only labour market needs but also the realities and aspirations of skilled migrants themselves.
