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“I could be more Swedish…” Integrating in Sweden: Perspectives of Highly Skilled Migrants

Nasir, Roshanaq Usman LU (2026) UTVK03 20261
Sociology
Abstract
This study explores how highly skilled migrants in Sweden define integration and the challenges they perceive. Focusing on 15 semi-structured interviews with EU (n=5) and non-EU (n=10) participants, this study addresses two research questions: how integration is defined from migrants’ perspectives and what challenges they experience. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: institutions, language, and social participation. Findings show that integration is understood as a multidimensional process involving stable employment, professional recognition, language competence, social participation, and a sense of belonging. However, being employed alone was not seen as a sufficient factor for integration. Differences were noted between... (More)
This study explores how highly skilled migrants in Sweden define integration and the challenges they perceive. Focusing on 15 semi-structured interviews with EU (n=5) and non-EU (n=10) participants, this study addresses two research questions: how integration is defined from migrants’ perspectives and what challenges they experience. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: institutions, language, and social participation. Findings show that integration is understood as a multidimensional process involving stable employment, professional recognition, language competence, social participation, and a sense of belonging. However, being employed alone was not seen as a sufficient factor for integration. Differences were noted between non-EU and EU participants. Non-EU participants frequently reported insecurity about bureaucratic barriers, and long-term uncertainty. Across both groups, language and social networks were central to integration experiences. This thesis draws on Human Capital, Social Capital, and Cultural Capital theories to interpret the findings. While education and skills facilitate employment, these are insufficient for integration without social inclusion, cultural familiarity, and institutional recognition. The study highlights that integration is shaped by both structural conditions and everyday social experiences. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Nasir, Roshanaq Usman LU
supervisor
organization
course
UTVK03 20261
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
highly skilled migrants, Sweden, integration, qualitative research
language
English
id
9245687
date added to LUP
2026-06-30 11:01:40
date last changed
2026-06-30 11:01:40
@misc{9245687,
  abstract     = {{This study explores how highly skilled migrants in Sweden define integration and the challenges they perceive. Focusing on 15 semi-structured interviews with EU (n=5) and non-EU (n=10) participants, this study addresses two research questions: how integration is defined from migrants’ perspectives and what challenges they experience. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: institutions, language, and social participation. Findings show that integration is understood as a multidimensional process involving stable employment, professional recognition, language competence, social participation, and a sense of belonging. However, being employed alone was not seen as a sufficient factor for integration. Differences were noted between non-EU and EU participants. Non-EU participants frequently reported insecurity about bureaucratic barriers, and long-term uncertainty. Across both groups, language and social networks were central to integration experiences. This thesis draws on Human Capital, Social Capital, and Cultural Capital theories to interpret the findings. While education and skills facilitate employment, these are insufficient for integration without social inclusion, cultural familiarity, and institutional recognition. The study highlights that integration is shaped by both structural conditions and everyday social experiences.}},
  author       = {{Nasir, Roshanaq Usman}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{“I could be more Swedish…” Integrating in Sweden: Perspectives of Highly Skilled Migrants}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}