MIGRANT INTEGRATION

Table of contents Who is IOM? Migration Integration The image makers

IOM is… … the Migration Agency The global, inter-governmental organization dealing with the entire range of migration issues -170 Member States and 89 Observer States* offices in over 170 countries - A staff of Over 1,500 programmes with a total budget over USD 1 billion *including 70 global and regional IGOs and NGOs

IOM Principles IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society IOM acts together with its partners in the international community to: Uphold the dignity and well being of migrants Encourage social and economic development through migration Assist in meeting the growing operational challenge of migration management Advance understanding of migration issues

IOM main policies Main policies The primary goal of IOM is the facilitation of orderly and human management of migration so as to maximize its benefits and minimize its costs. The Council, comprised of representatives from member states, is the main governing body for policy, strategy, and governance discussions and decisions How They Shape IOM Activity The Council and its subcommittees guide policy largely through their adjustment and approval of annual programs, budgets, and expenditures. The Council, during its regular annual meetings or additional special sessions, also determines the direction of IOM by passing resolutions.

Introduction 200 million of migrants in the world makes 3% of the world population. This means that roughly one of every thirty-five persons in the world is a migrant. Financial remittances of this migrant population are said to be app. 300 billion USD which generates a GDP of some developed country.. Migrants come from every corner of the world and states become points of origin, transit or destination (at the same time). Integration is an essential aspect of effective migration management. Successful integration means a harmonious co- existence between migrants and host communities.

Migration Challenges and policies Migration as a complex phenomenon Temporary and labor migration Permanent migration Diaspora and links with the country of origin Remittances: Innovation, transfer of knowledge, technology to their countries of origin Skills and qualifications Women vulnerability, gender Diversity of culture vs. preserving unity Unemployment / ageing society There is no “one-size-fits-all” model and every state needs to find a model that suits its needs best.

Integration Integration and its design and implementation is a domain of national policy makers and states against a background of International and EU framework Triangle model The process of strengthening of relations within the social system and introducing new actors and groups into the system and institutions Acquire of Rights Method Key Players – states, regions, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, employers, civic society and migrants

Policy areas Labor market access Family reunion Long-term residence Political participation Access to nationality Access to education Access to healthcare Access to housing Anti-discrimination

Goals of integration Allow migrants to realize their potentials Ensure their human rights are protected Reduce levels of marginalization Help establish social cohesion and harmony True integration is a multi-way process towards the achievement of a pluralistic society where migrants are not supposed to give up their cultural identity but have a possibility to associate with their host societies’ culture.

Why integration of migrants Integration pays off: for the states: set the legal and political conditions and remove obstacles for equal opportunities for all for the migrants: contributions and investment to the new country of residence for the society: no conflicting interests and sharing the same values

MIPEX Migrant Integration Policy Index MIPEX is a tool to measure achievements in integration to introduce best practices in integration implementation and to discuss individual measures of integration. Published by Migration Policy Group and British Council

MIPEX policies Labour market mobility Family Reunion Education Political Participation Long Term Rezidence Access to Nationality Anti-discrimination

The image makers 1. Mass media –Simplistic, b&w view –Frequent recourse to stereotypes & clichés –Migration: a problem in need of solutions –Considerable impact on public opinion & politicians 2. Political establishment –Highly politicised view –Reactive not proactive –Discourse often lacks objectivity 3. Public opinion leaders –Little heard 4. Expert & Academia –Highlight complexity of issues –Technical, at times divided views –Not conducive to a positive image 5. Public opinion –Both object and subject –Very heterogeneous and polarised group –Segments that are most entrenched –On average, highest levels of ignorance

Concluding remarks Integration policies should take into account migration in its complexity Governments, the International Community, the NGO sector and migrants should work together to realize the positive impact potential of migration in the host countries, transit countries, and countries of origin as well

Thank you! Lucie Sládková Head of Office IOM Prague