Immigrants in Restaurant job

The importance of immigrants and foreign-born workers in the hospitality industry is undeniable, especially in more developed countries. Canada, United States, Australia, and all other target countries, are widely facing aging populations. Canada, for instance, had 48% of its residents under 25 years old in the year 1971. In 2019, it is just 28%. Also, local citizens usually show little interest in working in restaurants and bars. These two reasons have created massive opportunities for lower-skilled immigrants. In the United States, the number of immigrants in the foodservice industry is so high, which is estimated that the costs of food will increase to 6% without them.

Working in the food industry is also considered as it makes it easy to start a new job for undocumented employees. While in big restaurant groups and major hotel chains, recruiters demand required certifications, smaller businesses usually do not ask for full and complete documents, IDs, or social security numbers. In America, More than 10% of the workforce in the hospitality industry are undocumented workers.

Besides all, working in restaurants and coffee houses simply has its own advantages for immigrants, especially for new arrivals. When these newcomers enter a new country, naturally they need some time to be adopted to the new culture. Working in such areas gives them a chance to get familiar with the norms and manners of their new home, improve their communication skills and build confidence to face a new, and sometimes scary atmosphere. All these benefits come with no pressure, which is usual in other jobs. Working as a waiter or waitress might not be easy physically, but the truth is, it has less responsibility and stress than other jobs. No wonder, even high-rated workers and engineers experience these types of work at the beginning of their immigration.