| Abstract [eng] |
Master's thesis explores the experiences of Indian citizens in the Lithuanian labour market. The aim of the thesis is to explore the experiences of Indian migrants in the Lithuanian labour market and the different types of challenges they face and how they adapt to the new cultural context of the country. The objectives of the thesis are: 1) to provide an overview of relevant theoretical perspectives (globalisation theory will explain how the interdependence of the world in economic, informational, technological and cultural terms affects migrants' flows, their experiences in the labour market and in integrating into society; the push-pull model will explain migrants' motivation to leave their home country and come to Lithuania; the theory of structural discrimination will allow to reveal discriminatory practices in the labour market and in Lithuanian institutions and society); 2) to discuss the reasons for migration of Indian nationals, the Lithuanian migration policy and the context of the Lithuanian-Indian labour market; 3) to analyse the experiences of Indian nationals in the Lithuanian labour market and to present the information obtained from the analysis of Indian nationals' experiences in the Lithuanian labour market through the selected theoretical perspectives. The study involved interviews with 12 Indian nationals who work in Lithuania and have a temporary residence permit. The interviews were conducted in March and April 2024 via a communication platform - MsTeams. In my thesis, I argue that their choice to migrate was driven by a desire to build a better life and learn about other cultures. With globalisation increasing the interdependence of the world, both economically and in terms of information, the informants were able to compare countries and decide where they wanted to and could go. The choice of Lithuania was mainly driven by financial reasons and feedback from migrants already living here. Lithuania, like other Western countries, is facing a shortage of workers in various sectors of the labour market, but there is a paradox here: the narratives of the informants' experiences reveal that they do not feel needed in Lithuania. Structural problems such as a strict migration policy that limits their job choices, the inability of Lithuanian institutions to provide adequate information to migrants, and low salaries prevent successful integration. It is important to mention cultural problems - there is also a reluctance on the part of Lithuanians themselves to accept newcomers into society, which leads to the exclusion of migrants. The informants were not familiar with the Lithuanian culture - Lithuanians at first glance seemed closed, cold, angry, which is in stark contrast to their Indian identity, which is open, sociable and accepting. The confluence of two completely different cultures also shapes the Indians' attitude towards the Lithuanian labour market - the migrants perceived the Lithuanian labour market as closed, trying to attract locals, for example because of the Lithuanian language requirements, the unsuccessful attempts to contact employers, or the employers' refusal to consider Indians for the position. The Lithuanian nature of the work culture was perceived by Indians in two ways: informants commented positively on working conditions, the coordination of working hours and rest time, many were happy with good managers, but felt discriminated against when they were not included in discussions at work and when they did not receive adequate help from colleagues to deal with challenges they faced. Interestingly, positive experiences in the labour market and in a Lithuanian institution were shared by those working in multinational companies. This is because they meet the requirements of the working environment and conditions not only in Lithuania but also in other countries, and they are more interested in attracting migrants to work in Lithuania to help them with paperwork, advice and assistance. |
