Migrants’ competence recognition systems: controversial links between social inclusion aims and unexpected discrimination effects

An adequate incorporation of migrants in the labour market, able to fully unleash their potential, is a major challenge for EU development. In this direction, the recognition of migrants skills, knowledge and competence acquired in formal and non/informal contexts represents a crucial issue. Based on a comparative research work conducted at European level, this paper highlights the ambivalence of competence recognition systems which, whilst representing potential means of social inclusion, in certain condition risk becoming invisible instruments of discrimination. Moreover it provides some recommendations for improving the substantial universalism of EU competence recognition systems and their impact on migrants integration.