Skill levels and inequality in migration: A case study of Filipino migrants in the UK

The concept of skill level offers a useful tool to policy-makers and researchers of migration to identify labor market needs, to define the type of migrants needed and to find ways to manage migration. But what this concept entails is often overlooked. This paper problematizes skill level by exploring issues and assumptions associated with its application. Following a review of the UK temporary migration programs, this paper compares the experiences of skilled and low-skilled Filipino migrants in the United Kingdom. The findings indicate that inequality between the two groups can be imposed not just by their job role or circumstances prior to migration but by immigration and social policies of the host country.