Language requirements are part of most mid-skill labor visas and play an integral role in how well a migrant worker can exercise their job, advance and integrate in the destination country. Therefore, it is not surprising that governments around the world are hesitant to lower this entry requirement. At the same time learning a language while working, as often required, is time and cost-intensive for potential migrant workers and often not affordable without financial support.
At the same time, employers willing to hire migrant workers due to ongoing labor scarcity do not want to pay months and years in advance for a worker who may or may not arrive.
This timing and risk challenge can be solved through a mixture of well-integrated technology and results-based financing innovations if partners across education, tech, financing and recruitment come together.
Throughout 2023, LaMP will be coordinating and working with a range of partners to cultivate and design a new multi-step language training model. This model will couple low-cost application-driven language learning with innovative funding solutions further increasing its quality. The goal is to equip the most dedicated workers with the skills required to enter and succeed in labor markets abroad, while reducing costs and risks.
Lowering the structural hurdles to language skill acquisition for workers in low-income countries will expand the opportunities for workers to find the best possible jobs abroad to maximize their income and support their families, communities and economies.
For more information, contact:
Sophia Wolpers