Making sense of barriers to integrating into the Quebec labour market: the experiences of Anglophone highly skilled African immigrants

Purpose Highly skilled African immigrants (HSAIs) in Quebec often encounter several challenges when seeking employment in the Canadian labour market. Despite their qualifications and experience, HSAIs regularly face higher unemployment rates and lower wages than non-immigrant workers, primarily due to racial and ethnic discrimination. The study utilized a qualitative methodology involving in-depth interviews with 16 HSAIs across Montreal, exploring their lived experiences and the intersecting challenges at the crux of race, immigration status, and professional identity. Design/methodology/approach The study utilized a qualitative methodology involving in-depth interviews with 16 HSAIs across Montreal, exploring their lived experiences and the intersecting challenges at the crux of race, immigration status, and professional identity. Findings Through a thematic analysis, the key findings reveal that proficiency in French is not just a linguistic requirement but a gatekeeper to employment opportunities and social integration. Furthermore, HSAIs' foreign qualifications are often undervalued, exacerbating the struggle to find appropriate employment that aligns with their expertise. The study also highlights the role of systemic discrimination, where African immigrants are unfavourably stereotyped, affecting their job prospects and upward mobility within Quebec's labour market. Originality/value This research underscores the need for policy reforms in Quebec to facilitate better recognition of foreign qualifications and to foster an inclusive labour environment that appreciates and utilizes the diverse skills brought by immigrants. Addressing these challenges is pivotal not only for the well-being of HSAIs but also for the broader socio-economic landscape of Quebec, emphasizing the importance of equity and diversity in enhancing the province's cultural and economic fabric.