Research handbook guiding comparative, interdisciplinary empirical data collection on migrants in irregular labour conditions

This handbook presents the methodological framework developed within the DignityFIRM project to guide comparative and interdisciplinary empirical research on migrants working in irregular labour conditions. The overall aims of the handbook are: (1) to provide structured guidelines for data collection across different countries and sectors within the Farm-to-Fork economy; (2) to support the integration of multiple disciplinary perspectives, including law, sociology, public health and economics; and (3) to ensure methodological rigor through mixed methods approaches, triangulation and participatory research practices. The handbook outlines key research components such as comparative case studies, stakeholder mapping, interviews, surveys and participatory action research, with a particular focus on sectors such as agriculture, food processing, delivery and hospitality. It is intended as a practical tool for research consortia and scholars working on irregular migration, labour conditions and governance in complex policy environments.

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How to cite: Beckers P., Haans P., Rommes E., Darhour H., Marroune S., Gottlieb N., Mantu S., de Lange T., Legarda Diaz-Aguado I., Neidhardt A.-H., Research handbook guiding comparative, interdisciplinary empirical data collection on migrants in irregular labour conditions (2026). DignityFIRM Project Deliverable D2.2. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19692575