Descriptive Summary:

Link4Skills Migrant Survey Results Overview

Why do people move? This working paper shares insights from the Link4Skills Migrant Survey, based on answers from more than 2,300 skilled migrants living in Austria, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland.

It shows that people do not move only for jobs. Decisions are also shaped by safety, economic conditions, family, and social life. Most migrants say they would like to stay in their current country, which suggests strong potential for long-term retention.

At the same time, many face real challenges after arrival, especially with language, housing, finding suitable work, and emotional stress.

A key message is that Migration Skill Corridors are not just simple “pathways” for labour. They are wider systems shaped by policies, rights, and everyday living conditions.

The findings help policymakers and researchers better understand what supports migrants — and what still needs to improve