Labour Market Outcomes of Immigrants in Five Bilingual Contexts: The Effects of Host Country Majority and Minority Language Skills

Competency in the host country’s language plays a crucial role in the economic integration of international immigrants. Immigrants who arrive with linguistic skills and/or learn the language of the host country are more likely to find employment and better jobs. However, there are few studies that analyse the role of linguistic skills developed in the bilingual territories of host countries. In this study, we analyse to what extent immigrants benefit from the acquisition of the minority language when integrating into the labour market. To address this issue, this article compares the effect on employment and occupational status of both majority and minority languages in five regions with unequal ethnolinguistic vitality (Catalonia, Galicia, Balearic Islands, Valencia, Basque Country). We use data from the Spanish Labour Force Survey (2021, 2014), in which over 5,000 foreign- born individuals were surveyed about their language competence (speaking fluency). Estimates associated with bilingual competencies are obtained through linear probability models, using both the current knowledge variable and an instrument based on pre-arrival knowledge before coming to Spain (via 2SLS). Preliminary results show that, across the five territories, proficiency in the majority language, Spanish, has a strong impact on both employability and the likelihood of occupying better positions. Exclusive proficiency in the minority language, whether Catalan, Galician, or Basque, does not seem to have a relevant effect on either labour outcome. However, bilingual proficiency, that is, having mastery in the minority language in addition to Spanish, exerts a superior effect. These results remain unchanged after including different sociodemo- graphic variables and the use of IV. We conclude by assessing the importance of acquiring not only the majority language but also the minority one for a successful integration that respects territorial diversity.