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Employment effects of language training for unemployed immigrants

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  • Julia Lang

    (Institute for Employment Research, IAB)

Abstract

Proficiency in the host country’s language is an important factor for the successful labor market integration of immigrants. In this study, I analyze the effects of a language training program for professional purposes on the employment opportunities of participants in Germany. I apply an instrumental variable approach and exploit differences in lagged local training intensities. Bivariate probit estimates show that 2 years after the program started, the employment probability of immigrants who were unemployed in 2014 and participated in the program had increased by more than nine percentage points as a result of language training.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Lang, 2022. "Employment effects of language training for unemployed immigrants," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 35(2), pages 719-754, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jopoec:v:35:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s00148-021-00832-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s00148-021-00832-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Language training; Migration; Integration; Employment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • J68 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Public Policy

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