Language proficiency of migrants: the relation with job satisfaction and skill matching

Abstract We empirically analyse the relation between language proficiency and job level of migrants in the Netherlands. A lack of language skills may induce the migrant to work in jobs of a lower level leading to lower job satisfaction. We analyse information about job satisfaction, the fit between the migrant’s education and skill level and the job, and professional level. Men with a higher proficiency level are more satisfied with their type of work and are employed at a higher professional level. For women, no impact of language proficiency can be found.