Facing a significant labour shortage, the region of Galicia in Spain has launched an innovative program aimed at regularizing undocumented immigrants by providing free training in sectors experiencing high demand for workers. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the regional government, the charitable organization Cáritas, and local businesses.
The program is grounded in a government decree known as "arraigo para la formación," which requires participants to undergo professional training and secure employment contracts as a pathway to legal residency. Since its inception, the initiative has benefited hundreds of immigrants, offering them residency permits and stable employment opportunities in industries such as hospitality, construction, tourism, and agriculture.
Due to its success, the regional government has decided to expand the program, allocating additional funds to support more foreign workers. This approach not only addresses labor shortages but also promotes the social and economic integration of immigrants into the community.
The working paper titled "Policy and Political Responses to Ireland’s Refugee Crisis" by Professor Bryan Fanning of University College Dublin examines Ireland's recent challenges in managing a significant influx of refugees and International Protection (IP) applicants, particularly following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The paper highlights the state's reactive crisis management approach, which has led to inadequate accommodation and support services. This shortfall has contributed to anti-refugee protests and activities by far-right groups in both urban and rural areas. Professor Fanning emphasizes the necessity for proactive development of services, infrastructure, and state capacity to meet the needs of current and future arrivals. He also underscores the importance of engaging with host communities to address anxieties and prevent zero-sum perceptions that pit refugee needs against those of local populations. The paper advocates for integrating refugee policy with broader social policies to enhance social cohesion and community development.
Website: www.udc.ie
The Council of Europe’s report on Inclusive Integration Strategies highlights the importance of collaborative policymaking at the national and local levels to ensure the successful integration of migrants. The paper explores strategies employed by various European countries to facilitate the social, economic, and cultural inclusion of immigrants.
Key elements of successful integration strategies identified in the report include:
The report provides case studies from different countries, showcasing how diverse approaches to integration can be tailored to national contexts while promoting cohesion and inclusion.
Website: https://www.coe.int/
Poland has historically lacked a comprehensive migration policy, partly because it was traditionally a country with negative net migration. However, in the past five to eight years, this trend has reversed, making migration a key issue for Poland’s future. In late 2024, the government introduced its first official migration strategy for 2025–2030, focusing on security and adaptability to changing geopolitical and social conditions. The policy aims to balance national needs with EU principles while addressing the lessons learned from Western European countries that have faced social unrest due to inconsistent migration policies. Poland's demographic challenges, including an aging population and labor shortages, have accelerated the need for a structured migration approach. The strategy acknowledges that migration alone cannot solve these issues and highlights the importance of education, labor market integration, and social inclusion. Poland has shifted from an "employer’s market" to a "worker’s market," increasing demand for foreign labor, particularly from countries in Asia and Africa. However, the government warns against excessive reliance on low-cost migrant labor, which could slow automation, innovation, and economic growth. Instead, the strategy promotes a sustainable approach based on mutual obligations between migrants and the host country. Migrants are expected to integrate by learning the Polish language and respecting local cultural norms, while the state must support their inclusion and workforce participation. Migration policies should be flexible, allowing for rapid responses to crises such as war or natural disasters. Lastly, Poland’s approach to migration should not only serve national interests but also consider broader geopolitical and economic trends within the European Union.