Qualified Migration from Southern Europe in Mexico: Expectations, Opportunities and Labor Niches

Here are presented results of a research project focused on highly qualified immigration originating in Spain and Italy in four Mexican cities (Monterrey, Guadalajara, Puebla and Federal District) In particular, the motivations and expectations that lead these qualified immigrants to move to Mexico are studied. The article is based on an extensive fieldwork that consisted of 129 semi-structured interviews with a script with immigrants from Spain and Italy who lived in the four cities. The interviews that lasted an average of an hour and a half were systematically transcribed and worked with the MAXQDA software. With the exception of expatriates, respondents point to the lack of job opportunities (unstable contracts, low salaries or jobs not suited to their training) as the main reason for emigration. The attraction of Mexico results from a wide and varied offer of work in a highly flexible market, where business options are seen as viable. In this market, some interviewees can develop the technical skills and knowledge that are vetoed in their countries of origin, while discovering new forms of employment. Among the negative aspects that lead to consider staying in the country, the interviewees mention non-labor problems, particularly those associated with insecurity and lack of quality of life in Mexican cities; discourses that are particularly relevant among those who have family in Mexico.