A/HRC/56/54
migrant labour. Regularization leads to stronger social ties, reduced inequality and improved
participation in community life. These programmes expand the tax base. The programmes
are tailored either to labour market demands, as in Italy, Malaysia, Portugal and Spain, or to
humanitarian needs, as in Germany, Netherlands (Kingdom of the) and Sweden. 90 The
Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants details 10 key elements
for effective regularization, and the United Nations Network on Migration offers guidance
on best practices.91
C.
Integration legislation, policies and programmes
84.
Countries emphasize the significance of integration policies in assisting migrants’
arrival and settlement, recognizing that well-supported migrants enhance social cohesion and
participation in society. Integration strategies are focused on ensuring access to essential
services, promoting social integration, facilitating labour market entry and securing regular
status.
85.
For countries experiencing increased levels of immigration, developing and bolstering
integration policies is vital. Lithuania, which is currently receiving increasing flows of
Ukrainian refugees, has bolstered municipal integration, particularly with regard to job
market entry, through training for municipal officials and study exchanges with other States
members of the European Union.92
86.
To support integration, many countries provide information in multiple languages. In
Canada, federally funded “settlement services” are available in multiple languages, helping
with employment, community integration and providing other support services. 93
87.
Successful migrant integration often involves collaboration with municipal authorities
and a whole-of-society approach. In Greece, community centres partner with municipalities
to support integration. In Cabo Verde, local immigration units offer support and guidance. In
Argentina, migrant and refugee centres offer legal assistance, job placement and other
services, with support from IOM and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees (UNHCR).94
88.
Tailored integration programmes addressing specific needs in migrant communities
have proved successful. Greece focuses on protected groups, minors and women. Canada
supports vulnerable migrants with relocation and financial services and provides migrant
women with job placements, mentorships and counselling.95
89.
Successful integration reaps benefits for both migrants and host communities. The
investment made by Canada in integration (Can$ 1.1 billion for 2023–2024) has yielded
positive outcomes: an employment rate of over 75 per cent among newcomers and a strong
sense of connection for 90 per cent of migrants.96
90.
Access to basic services is essential for the successful reception and integration of
migrants. Best practices involve assessing individual vulnerabilities and needs, ensuring
health care and psychosocial support and providing housing assistance and information on
financial services.
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
GE.24-07075
See Pablo Rojas Coppari and Samuel Poirier, “Addressing irregularity and combating vulnerabilities:
regularisation programmes implemented during and as a result of COVID-19”, in Research
Handbook on Migration, Gender, and COVID-19, McAuliffe and Bauloz, eds.
See Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, “Regularisation mechanisms
and programmes: why they matter and how to design them” (2022); and United Nations Network on
Migration, “Regular pathways”.
Submission by Lithuania.
Submission by Canada.
Submissions by Argentina, Cabo Verde and Greece.
Submissions by Canada and Greece.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2023 Settlement Outcomes Report: Data-driven
Insights for the Future of the Settlement Program (2023), p. 15.
15