Non-EU Citizens More Likely to Work Temporarily or Part-Time in the EU Bloc
Employment Patterns in the EU
Poinews.com – According to Eurostat’s 2025 labor market report, non-EU citizens in the European Union face unique challenges when it comes to employment stability. Non EU citizens most likely to work in temporary or part-time roles compared to their EU counterparts, with the disparity being most notable in key member states. Over the past decade, the rate of non-EU workers holding temporary contracts and part-time positions has consistently outpaced that of EU nationals, creating a significant trend across the bloc. In countries like Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Poland, more than 40% of non-EU citizens were employed under temporary agreements between 2015 and 2025, highlighting the persistent employment dynamics.
The data reveals that non-EU citizens are often more inclined to accept flexible work arrangements due to factors such as visa restrictions, language barriers, and limited access to permanent employment opportunities. These workers may also face difficulties in having their qualifications recognized, which can lead to them being concentrated in sectors with lower barriers to entry. The report further indicates that non EU citizens most likely to work part-time are also more vulnerable to job insecurity, as temporary contracts often lack the long-term benefits associated with permanent employment.
Part-Time Work and Gender Differences
Part-time work remains a significant characteristic of employment for non-EU citizens, with a reported 22% of them working in such roles in 2025. This percentage is notably higher than the 17% seen among EU nationals and the 20% for non-EU workers employed abroad. The Netherlands, Finland, and France show the largest gaps in part-time employment rates between the three groups, suggesting that national labor market structures play a role in these differences.
Women across all citizenship categories tend to have higher rates of part-time work, with non-EU citizens most likely to be in such positions. Hofman noted that caregiving responsibilities often influence this trend, as women are more frequently tasked with balancing paid work and family duties. She explained that temporary contracts are particularly appealing for those seeking flexibility, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and hospitality, where non-EU citizens most likely to find employment. These sectors are also more prone to part-time roles, reinforcing the pattern.
Self-Employment Rates and Structural Challenges
Self-employment rates in the EU bloc vary by citizenship group, with EU nationals living in their home countries having the highest rate at 13.5%. EU citizens working in other EU nations follow at 10.9%, while non-EU citizens at 10.1% remain the lowest. This disparity is attributed to structural factors, including easier access to local regulations, financial resources, and professional networks for EU nationals. Non-EU workers may encounter additional hurdles, such as visa requirements or documentation challenges, which can limit their ability to start or sustain self-employment ventures.
Men are more likely to be self-employed than women across all groups, with notable differences in specific countries. In Greece and Italy, nationals show particularly high self-employment rates, whereas Croatia and Portugal have the highest figures among non-EU citizens working abroad. Hofman highlighted that while self-employment can provide independence, it often requires a stronger foothold in the local labor market. For non-EU citizens, this foothold may be harder to achieve due to systemic barriers that persist in the bloc’s employment landscape.
Impact of Temporary and Part-Time Work
The prevalence of temporary and part-time work among non-EU citizens has broader implications for economic integration and social stability. Temporary contracts often come with fewer job security guarantees, making it difficult for these workers to plan for the long term. This can lead to situations where non-EU citizens most likely to work in unstable conditions face challenges in accessing benefits like pensions or healthcare, which are typically tied to permanent employment. Additionally, the lack of long-term contracts may affect their ability to invest in skills development or career advancement.
Experts argue that addressing these employment patterns requires targeted policies to support non-EU citizens in securing permanent positions. This includes measures to recognize foreign qualifications, streamline visa processes, and encourage employers to offer more stable contracts. Hofman emphasized that while personal choices play a role in the preference for temporary or part-time roles, structural barriers are the primary driver. These barriers, if left unaddressed, could continue to influence the employment trajectories of non-EU citizens in the EU bloc for years to come.
Future Outlook and Policy Recommendations
Looking ahead, the trend of non-EU citizens most likely to work temporarily or part-time may shift as labor markets adapt to new challenges. With increasing demand for flexible workforce solutions, some sectors may benefit from the presence of non-EU workers, but others could see continued disparities. Policy interventions that focus on reducing barriers for non-EU citizens, such as language training programs and credential validation initiatives, could help bridge this gap.
