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Unregistered work among refugees: Evidence from a list experiment in Germany

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  • Doerr, Annabelle
  • Hartmann, Carina
  • Sajons, Christoph

Abstract

The integration of refugees in host countries' labor markets is complicated by structural barriers, missing formal qualification and language deficiencies. This leads to widespread concern that refugees may end up in informal and precarious employment relationships. Empirical evidence on the prevalence of unregistered work is missing, however, due to the sensitive and illegal nature of this phenomenon. In this paper, we conduct a list experiment to measure unregistered work among refugees in Germany. Our results indicate that 31% have had experience with an unregistered job since their arrival. Refugees who report that they do not have work permission show a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing unregistered work. Furthermore, the lack of post-secondary education and vocational degrees, and a low German proficiency predict the risk to work without registration.

Suggested Citation

  • Doerr, Annabelle & Hartmann, Carina & Sajons, Christoph, 2022. "Unregistered work among refugees: Evidence from a list experiment in Germany," Working papers 2022/01, Faculty of Business and Economics - University of Basel.
    • Handle: RePEc:bsl:wpaper:2022/01
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    Cited by:

    1. Burgstaller, Lilith & Feld, Lars P. & Pfeil, Katharina, 2022. "Working in the shadow: Survey techniques for measuring and explaining undeclared work," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 661-671.
    2. Himmelreicher Ralf & Dütsch Matthias & Baumann Arne, 2024. "Schwarzarbeit in Deutschland: bisherige Erkenntnisse und neue Befunde," Wirtschaftsdienst, Sciendo, vol. 104(11), pages 800-806.
    3. Jarkko Harju & Sami Jysmä & Aliisa Koivisto & Tuomas Kosonen, 2023. "Do household tax credits increase consumption? The role of demand elasticity and the extent of demand," Working Papers 8, Finnish Centre of Excellence in Tax Systems Research.
    4. Arezzo, Maria Felice & Horodnic, Ioana A. & Williams, Colin C. & Guagnano, Giuseppina, 2024. "Measuring participation in undeclared work in Europe using survey data: A method for resolving social desirability bias," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J46 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Informal Labor Market
    • J61 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Geographic Labor Mobility; Immigrant Workers
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods

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