The Social and Economic Integration of Highly Skilled Muslim Immigrants in the Canadian Knowledge Economy

Abstract

This study explores the social and economic integration outcomes and lived experiences of highly skilled Muslim immigrants in Canada. It investigates the effect of race and religion on their experiences of socio-economic integration and examines their strategies of resistance in response to the challenges. An overall aim was to critically understand the human capital-based integration discourse as it relates to their lived realities. Research has shown that Muslim immigrants in Canada experience low economic outcomes compared to non-Muslim Canadians and are the target of a rise in hate crimes due to anti-Muslim sentiment. There is a substantive body of mainly quantitative literature on the integration of highly skilled immigrants in Canada, as it pertains to their successful settlement processes. However, there is limited data and research on the socio-economic integration of highly skilled Muslim immigrants. This study conducted twenty-one qualitative, semi-structured interviews and applied the theoretical perspectives of Anti-colonial Discursive Framework in combination with Muhammad Iqbal’s concept of Khudi (Self). The study found that Muslim immigrants are at a clear and significant disadvantage in the Canadian labour market facing Islamophobia and racism in hiring, retention, and daily social interactions. All participants experienced the non- recognition of their foreign credentials and skills, a demand for Canadian experience, occupational downgrading, and received no resume call backs. Muslim immigrants show a strong sense of Khudi (Self) and identity in the face of these challenges. They invoke resistance and agency through a reliance on indigenous knowledge and faith-based strategies. They also showed a high sense of belonging to Canada and engagement in the community through political participation and volunteering.