Turkish Newcomers’ Experience of the Belgian Labour Market: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study explored the integration process of Turkish-speaking migrants in Belgium from a phenomenological perspective. In collaboration with Antwerp’s ATLAS integration hub, we conducted six focus groups comprising 59 Turkish-speaking newcomers with diverse religious, national, and regional backgrounds to examine Turkish integration in Belgium. Participants told their stories and deconstructed their knowledge of the local people, particularly the cultural distinctive subjective beliefs and prejudices. Focus group members discussed their expectations, problem, ambitions, and cultural differences in Belgium’s multicultural society. Group composition was designed to be informal and diverse and promote peer support. Each group included some participants who were socially integrated, employed, and fluent in an official language. Although qualitative analysis revealed factors limit Turkish-speaking migrants’ opportunities in the labour market, group exchanges yielded solutions for building social capital and bridging differences, highlighting the importance of open-minded migrant integration course organisers and a kind and empathetic approach to the process.