Training and employment opportunities for refugees and other vulnerable migrants to facilitate their integration and meet the labour demand in the construction sector: These are the objectives of a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022 by the Minister of Labour and Social Policies and the Minister of the Interior, along with social and economic partners in the construction industry. Thanks to this collaboration, also supported by UNHCR, refugees hosted in reception centres have the opportunity to participate in training courses and professional traineeships.
The goal is to carry out 3,000 trainings and employment programs for refugees and other vulnerable migrants, guiding them towards autonomy and addressing the labour shortages in the construction sector. The program benefits various groups, including asylum seekers, holders of international, temporary, and special protection status, unaccompanied minors in transition to adulthood, and former unaccompanied minors hosted in the Reception System. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and social and economic partners is put into action in the regions where these persons are present, and where the construction sector offers opportunities for training and job placement. Prefectures play a crucial role by initiating and coordinating local committees, which bring together representatives from the reception network and the Construction Training Schools run by social partners. These committees select eligible candidates and provide support during training courses and work experiences offered by companies.
Website: https://globalcompactrefugees.org/
Particular branches of the economy provide a significant source for work for internal and international migrants seeking temporary or permanent employment opportunities away from their home communities. In turn, migrants are a vital source of skills and labour for several economic sectors. However, the important links between migration and labour markets, including the quantity and quality of jobs, are often ignored or not well understood, nor do we know much about the diversity of situations in different sectors as concerns migrant employment. In the recent past, ILO constituents have voiced keen interest in learning more about migrant workers in particular economic sectors, and this for various reasons ranging from concern over the working conditions of migrant workers to the desire of increased cross-border labour flows with a view to improving labour allocation and gaining efficiency. This study is part of a larger ILO effort to close knowledge gaps regarding labour issues in economic sectors where migrant workers can be found in considerable numbers, such as agriculture, construction and mining. This report by Michelle Buckley, Adam Zendel, Jeff Biggar, Lia Frederiksen and Jill Wells focuses specifically on international temporary migrants to explore how this group of workers is currently being incorporated into local labour markets. It examines some of the intersecting factors – political, institutional, economic and geographical – that can make migrants employed in the sector vulnerable to exploitation or substandard working conditions. Well aware that the structure of construction labour markets and construction activities in different places can vary immensely, this report both explores the variation of working conditions and employment relations for migrants employed in construction, and identifies some common conditions and shared challenges for fair, safe and decent work that international migrants often face. The report provides a review of the literature documenting migrants’ contribution to construction globally, as well as case studies of migrants’ roles in the construction labour markets of five specific countries: the United Kingdom (UK), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Thailand, Canada and South Africa. Its conclusions and recommendations are also based on interviews with selected employers, union officials and government staff.
Website: http://www.ilo.org
CEAR Madrid hosted the Employment and Diverse Talent Day to promote the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into the workforce. The event showcased the skills and potential of refugee professionals, with CEAR Madrid coordinator Paco Garrido highlighting their valuable contributions to society. Begoña Arias, CEAR Madrid’s Inclusion Manager, stressed that employment and housing are key to social inclusion, while Noemí Mena from Erasmus University Rotterdam emphasised the benefits of intercultural workplaces for businesses.
Several companies shared their experiences in hiring refugees. Alsea has partnered with CEAR through its ‘En la línea de salida’ programme at Starbucks, while Carrefour has employed 120 refugees, improving team dynamics and employee engagement. PAZ.AI, a social startup, connects refugees with the tech sector by offering digital skills training, collaborating with companies like BlaBlaCar, which has successfully hired refugee professionals for IT and analytical roles. Social enterprises are also contributing to refugee employment. Causas CEAR runs eight kitchens across Spain, employing 39 people, 71% of whom are refugees. Foret and Ephimera have also incorporated refugees into their teams, with the latter urging small businesses to get involved. The event concluded with CEAR Madrid recognising 15 companies for their commitment to refugee inclusion, demonstrating the mutual benefits of integrating refugee talent into the labour market.
The Citizens Information page titled "Supports for Ukrainians in Ireland" provides a comprehensive overview of services and assistance available to individuals arriving from Ukraine. Key areas of support include:
1. Education and Childcare:
2. Employment Assistance:
3. Healthcare Services:
4. Transportation:
5. Financial Services:
6. Communication Services:
Additionally, the page offers resources in Ukrainian and Russian to ensure accessibility. It also provides contact details for various support organizations and outlines how local communities are mobilizing to assist newcomers. For those looking to help, there is information on volunteering and donation opportunities.
This resource serves as a valuable guide for Ukrainian nationals seeking to integrate into Irish society and access essential services.
Website: www.citizensinformation.ie
This article, authored by the Irish government, emphasizes the establishment of community integration forums across all local authority areas in Ireland to support new arrivals, including Ukrainians fleeing the war. These forums involve government agencies, non-government organizations, community groups, and more to facilitate integration efforts. The article is organized under three main headings:
State Agencies Supporting Integration:
This section discusses local integration teams established in 2024, which were created to assist individuals entering the country. These teams help newcomers access various available supports to enhance their integration experience.
Support for Communities:
This part outlines a fund specifically designed for community groups that aid in the integration of newcomers. It highlights projects and initiatives that directly assist newcomers in settling into their new environment through community engagement.
Integration through Education and Employment:
This section explains how the government collaborates with schools and educational centres to integrate newcomers into Ireland's education system. It also addresses partnerships with Irish employers to provide newcomers with access to job opportunities.
Website: www.gov.ie
The Irish Refugee Council’s ‘Mná nah Éireann Employment Integration from Day One’ program is successful, and it empowers female refugees and migrants to take ownership of their employment opportunities and empowers them through understanding of their employment rights and entitlements. Explains Irelands’ taxation system, and how to register with Irish tax office, along with guidance on financial planning, and how employment affects social welfare, medical card, social housing entitlement and income thresholds for joint family visas. Having this information in one place provides confidence and a structured support for the participants. On the other hand, it bring employers close to talented and hard working persons who they are confident to take on as the IRC is vouching for them having participated in their programme.
Website: https://www.irishrefugeecouncil.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/
Denmark has been implementing a housing dispersal policy aimed at preventing the concentration of ethnic minority groups in certain urban areas. This policy, commonly referred to as the ‘Ghetto Law’, has been under scrutiny for years. The European Court of Justice’s Advocate General has now issued an opinion stating that the policy is discriminatory, as it disproportionately affects non-Western immigrants and their access to housing.
Under this law, municipalities were required to reduce the percentage of non-Western residents in designated "ghetto" areas. This was achieved by limiting housing options in these neighbourhoods, forcing residents to relocate to other areas. Critics argued that the law did not address socio-economic issues but rather penalised specific ethnic groups.
The legal challenge was brought forward by affected residents, supported by human rights organisations, who claimed that the policy violated EU anti-discrimination laws. The EU court adviser found that the policy did not meet the proportionality principle and unfairly targeted ethnic minorities based on their background rather than their socio-economic status.
The ruling could have significant implications not only for Denmark but also for other European countries that have implemented similar housing policies aimed at immigrant communities. If upheld by the European Court of Justice, Denmark may be required to revise its integration policies and adopt more inclusive housing strategies.
This case highlights broader issues surrounding national policies on immigrant integration, particularly the balance between housing regulations and anti-discrimination laws. While some argue that dispersal policies promote integration, others contend that they marginalise immigrant communities, reducing their access to social networks, education, and employment opportunities.
The Danish government has defended its policy, stating that it aims to prevent social segregation and promote economic opportunities for all residents. However, human rights groups and immigrant advocacy organisations view the ruling as a major step towards recognising the rights of ethnic minority groups to choose where they live without government interference.
The final decision by the European Court of Justice is expected later this year and will determine whether Denmark must alter its housing policies.
Website: https://www.reuters.com/