The Influence of Immigrant Origin on the Labour Market Situation of Young People in Spain

Marta Roig, United Nations
Joaquin Recano-Valverde, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of origin (migrant/non-migrant; foreign-born/native parents) on the incorporation to the labor market of young men and women in a new country of immigration, Spain. Using data from the recently released 2001 census, we have done multivariate analyzes using logistic regression to verify whether belonging to certain non-native origin groups has a negative impact on three aspects of their labor market situation: occupation, employment situation, and type of contract. Our findings suggest that differences by origin are significant and persist even when demographic and other socio-economic characteristics are accounted for. However, these differences do not always go in the direction expected. Being born in Spain or having lived in the country longer do not systematically lead to a better labor market situation.