Third-country nationals in the EU are more likely to work part-time

According to Eurostat's latest statistics for 2024, non-EU citizens are significantly more likely to work part-time than EU citizens. Among all employed people aged 20 to 64 in the EU, the share of part-time workers was:

• 22.2% for non-EU citizens;
• 20.8% for EU citizens residing in another EU country;
• and only 16.6% for citizens working in their home country.

Thus, it is EU citizens working in their home country who are least likely to choose part-time employment.

Interestingly, there has been a general decline in the share of part-time work across all categories since 2014. However, for non-EU nationals, the decline has been particularly marked, converging with that of EU citizens working outside their home country.

The data also show a sharp gap between women and men: among female migrants, part-time employment in 2024 was:

• 36.8% of women from outside the EU (vs. 11.8% of men),
• 35.8% of women from other EU countries (vs. 7.9% of men),
• and 27.0% of female citizens of their country (compared to 7.4% of men).

This gap - up to 3-5 times between men and women - shows not only differences in employment opportunities, but also points to structural barriers related to childcare, access to education and social inclusion.

These figures are important in the context of the EU Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027. It aims to improve the employment conditions of migrants, especially women, who often find it more difficult to enter the full employment market.