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Migrant Work Conditions and Health Status—A Longitudinal Study on ‘Dirty Work’ Among Undocumented and Newly Regularized Workers

Author

Listed:
  • Mariya Lenko

    (University of Trento)

  • Jan-Erik Refle

    (University of Geneva
    Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, LIVES)

  • Claudine Burton-Jeangros

    (University of Geneva
    Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, LIVES
    University of Geneva)

  • Julien Fakhoury

    (University of Geneva
    Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, LIVES)

  • Liala Consoli

    (University of Geneva
    Swiss Centre of Expertise in Life Course Research, LIVES)

  • Yves Jackson

    (Geneva University Hospital)

Abstract

Migrant workers, particularly undocumented migrants, may be constrained to accept ‘dirty work’. This term refers to poorly paid jobs with long working hours and significant exposure to various risks, potentially affecting their health. While many scholars discuss the health-related risks associated with these work conditions, empirical quantitative evidence is scarce regarding their direct effects on health among undocumented and newly regularized migrants. Consequently, we have formulated the following research question: Does ‘dirty work’ have an influence on the self-rated health of undocumented and newly regularized migrants over time? To answer this question, we utilized a dataset collected during an exceptional regularization procedure in the Swiss Canton of Geneva. Through surveys conducted across four waves, we demonstrate the direct and indirect effects of work conditions on migrants’ health using both random effects and fixed effects models. Our operationalization of ‘dirty work’ reveals that exposure to physically demanding positions has a direct, negative impact on migrants’ self-rated health. This result holds independently of the development of chronic health conditions over time. Our study confirms the existence of a relationship between occupational risks and health and underscores the significance of residence status in this context.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariya Lenko & Jan-Erik Refle & Claudine Burton-Jeangros & Julien Fakhoury & Liala Consoli & Yves Jackson, 2025. "Migrant Work Conditions and Health Status—A Longitudinal Study on ‘Dirty Work’ Among Undocumented and Newly Regularized Workers," Journal of International Migration and Integration, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 213-233, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joimai:v:26:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12134-024-01182-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s12134-024-01182-5
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