Migrant self-employment between precariousness and self-exploitation *

This paper contributes to theoretical debates around migrant economies. I explore how migrant entrepreneurs are affected by the precarisation of independent workers in local labour markets in the processes of globalisation and neoliberalisation. The paper focuses on how migrant entrepreneurs, as service providers in metropolitan areas, take over parts of the retail trade, gastronomy and personal services. It scrutinises aspects relating to neoliberal labour markets such as declining regulations and protection for self-employed people as well as the need for high flexibility. Theoretically, the paper aims to bridge the gap between debates around precariousness – so far mainly discussed for non-migrant entrepreneurs or employees – and self-exploitation occurring in migrant economies. I explore in how far migrant self-employment can be conceptualised as a form of selfexploitation. Empirically I draw on the example of Vietnamese migrants in Berlin and their position on the urban labour market. Based on a qualitative explorative research including interviews with Vietnamese entrepreneurs in Berlin, I provide an outline of different economic strategies. Thus, I draw conclusions on the precariousness of such labour arrangements.