Navigating “Post-Study Work” Pathways: A Qualitative Case Study on the Adaptation Vulnerability of Asian Skilled Migrants in Korea

초록

Skilled migrants, often portrayed as agential and resourceful, showcase their capacity to proactively shape their circumstances, creating a better life in a migration country. However, the vulnerabilities experienced by this group, have been insufficiently explored in migration studies. Building on Grzymala-Kazlowska's (2016) social anchoring theory, this study introduces ‘adaptation vulnerability’ to describe challenges faced by Asian skilled migrants on a ‘post-study work’ pathway in Korea. Findings reveal that these migrants confront hierarchical, marginalized, and/or racialized vulnerabilities in their workplaces and daily lives, leading to social isolation and ongoing psychological insecurity. Despite their agency and resources, they struggle due to structural barriers like imbalanced power relations with employers, insecure legal status, minoritized social standing, and prevailing local biases against Asian migrants. In shedding light on the vulnerabilities experienced by Asian skilled migrants in Korea, this study underscores the need for targeted policies and fostering cultural diversity to address their challenges.