Understanding and promoting the global well-being of temporary migrant workers over time: a mixed longitudinal study

To meet the demands of Canada’s economy, the number of temporary migrant workers (TMWs) has significantly increased since 2000. However, TMWs are disproportionately represented in jobs characterized by poor working and living conditions. Such exploitation severely impacts their well-being. Addressing this critical issue requires a deeper understanding of the specific effects of employment and immigration status precariousness on the evolution of different dimensions of TMWs’ wellbeing. There is currently a significant lack of robust empirical data on well-being determinants that consider the diverse trajectories of this heterogeneous and vulnerable population. This limits the identification of specific intervention points for various subgroups of TMWs, particularly those experiencing intersectional discrimination. This study addresses these gaps by adopting an intersectional and life-course perspective to examine well-being trajectories among TMWs in Québec. The quantitative component involves a diverse cohort of 1,000 adult TMWs employed in Québec, Canada, who will complete comprehensive questionnaires at three key measurement points over a 24-month period. These questionnaires will capture detailed measures of well-being and factors related to personal, employment/work and social resource losses or gains influencing well-being trajectories. Latent trajectories analysis will be conducted. Additionally, 40 participants who best represent the various identified latent trajectories will engage in qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis of these qualitative data will be integrated with the quantitative findings to provide an in-depth understanding of how social and structural forces shape TMWs’ well-being trajectories. An advisory committee comprising representatives from community organizations, employers, and TMWs will regularly meet to provide professional and personal insights to enhance study methods, materials, and result interpretation. This study will generate novel data to address employment, working, and living condition issues among TMWs, ultimately aiming to enhance their well-being. By integrating theoretical perspectives from many disciplines, the project will significantly contribute to the scientific literature at the intersection of well-being, employment, immigration, and precariousness. Study findings will inform the development of practical tools for employers and for professionals in migration- and well-being-related fields to mitigate risk factors affecting TMWs. A policy brief will also be prepared to communicate findings to policymakers for improving social policies.