Migration Policy Group Newsletter

To be inclusive and effective, integration policies need to be codesigned by refugees

Everyone should have a say in the decisions that affect them. MPG's research points out the need for including refugees in the design of comprehensive integration policies.

Restrictive policies that limit refugees' access to jobs, housing, and education create a ‘vicious circle’ of exclusion that reinforces fear and separation. Our report, titled "Do Migration Policies Work?", highlights that inclusive policies foster a positive cycle of integration. They promote openness and interaction. Leading to improved public attitudes towards migration and providing newcomers with greater opportunities to take part in society.

Unfortunately, many EU countries have structural weaknesses in their refugee integration policies. MPG's comparative report of the National Integration Evaluation Mechanism (NIEM), based on contributions from 14 EU countries, reveals large gaps in areas such as access to education, employment and housing. While some countries have high scores, such as Sweden (72.5 out of 100), others, including Hungary (32.8), Poland (36.9), Bulgaria (37.1) and Romania (38.5), find themselves at the other end of the spectrum. Interestingly, the countries lacking robust integration systems have welcomed the most people fleeing the war in Ukraine. These deficits in refugee integration policies put the well‐being and opportunities of people displaced from Ukraine at risk.

Member states should kick‐start the creation of comprehensive refugee integration. Together with UNHCR, we developed a toolkit on the effective inclusion of refugees. The toolkit provides practical advice to local actors to put in place services and policies that provide appropriate housing, access to documentation and social and economic inclusion. These work best when refugees take part in their design and development. Refugees bring a wealth of skills and experience to their new communities. Participatory approaches lead to smarter and more effective policies.

Policy Brief: Promoting Digital Inclusion of Migrants and Refugees in the EU

Technology is a crucial means for people who are migrating to navigate their journeys and establish themselves in their new countries. But people on the move often come across obstacles in securing access to digital courses and services.

Based on a Comparative Report on Digital Skills and Competencies of Migrants across EU countries and a series of interviews conducted with people displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, this policy brief formulates eight recommendations for policymakers.

MPG's and ENAR's directors celebrate its 25th anniversary

On June 17th MPG joined ENAR in celebrating its 25th anniversary. ENAR's success is a victory for all anti-racist movements in times that, similarly to the early 90s, see a resurgence of extremist parties, hate speech and hate crime.

In 1996 MPG campaigned for the creation of a network uniting anti-racist organisations and was asked by the EU Commission to explore the feasibility of setting up such a network. MPG consulted migration and anti-racism organisations, in the then 12 EU member states. These consultations clearly demonstrated the need for an anti-racist network and also demonstrated the support for it among CSOs.

ENAR was founded in 1998, and MPG assisted with the board and staff selection. MPG supported ENAR in an advisory capacity and as a board member in its early years.

This Month's MIPEX Citations

The Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) is a unique tool which measures integration policies in 56 countries across 8 policy areas. It provides up-to-date, comprehensive research data and analysis on which to base policies, proposals for change and projects.

"Political Mobilizations Regarding Refugees and Migrants: Poland, Germany, Spain, and Sweden"

A study by Markus Thiel, Ernesto Fiocchetto, and Jeffrey D. Maslanik utilizing MIPEX highlights the impact of immigration on socio-political polarization and social cohesion in Poland, Germany, Spain, and Sweden. The presence of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers has led to rising racism, Islamophobia, and discrimination, resulting in lower educational attainment, job placement rates, and political participation for migrants. Furthermore, far-right parties in Europe have capitalized on this situation to promote exclusive-nativist ideologies.

“Migrant and Refugee Youth’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: A Scoping Review to Inform Policies and Programs“

In a review published in the International Journal of Public Health, MIPEX is used to assess the policies on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrant and refugee youth. MIPEX’s education, anti-discrimination, and health indices were used to identify significant policy gaps affecting young people’s sexual and reproductive rights, especially those from migrant and refugee backgrounds. One example is sexual and reproductive health education was often found lacking in cultural understanding, negatively impacting young people’s attitudes and behaviours towards family planning services and sexual health clinics. To ensure migrant and refugee youth’s access to sexual and reproductive health services, the authors of the review advocate prioritising youth perspectives and collaboratively designing policies and programs that adequately address their needs and rights.