With increasingly more multi-cultural and multi-ethnic societies due to new migration routes, migrant and refugee integration can be a challenge both for host communities as well as for migrant and refugees themselves. Lack of proper integration can lead to the violation of basic human rights as well as social, political and cultural rights. Building a deep understanding of the main issues at stake is vital to developing the technical capacities to address this issue effectively so that all parties of the equation can benefit from migration.

Countries create the legal frameworks in which immigrants and refugees can contribute to a country’s well-being, where they have equal access to employment and education, live in security and dignity with their families, become active citizens and are protected against discrimination.

This e-learning course focuses on issues related to labour market access, family reunification, access to education and education support programs for migrant children, access to residence permits and nationality, civil and political rights and anti-discrimination policies, and addresses complex matters such as the integration of irregular migrants and especially vulnerable groups.

Course objectives

This e-learning course provides learners with thorough understanding of migrant and refugee integration policies and the tools to promote them.

You will acquire knowledge about:

• definitions and concepts related to the different integration policies: labour market access, family reunification, access to education and education support programs for migrant children, access to residence permits and nationality, political and civil rights and anti-discrimination policies;
• international and EU standards on integration of refugees and migrants;
• problem areas related to the different integration policies;
• main policy actors dealing with migrant and refugee integration laws and policies;
• available data sources on integration policies;

gain skills in:

• undertaking comparative policy analysis on integration policies;
• identifying and using best practices on integration;
• assessing integration policies (determining whether policies are in line with EU and international standards, data sources and indicators used, policy recommendations);
• using available data sources and policy evaluations.

Course format

This certificate course involves approximately 30 hours of reading, discussion, weekly 90-minute (Zoom) live classroom sessions (on Wednesday’s from 14h00-15h30 UTC/GMT) with the course instructor and/or guest experts, a written assignment and quizzes, and is offered over a six-week period. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. Participants will do the required readings, prepare interim and final assignments and participate in group discussions. Case studies will be used to enable interactive learning and activities. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Course outline

Week 1. Guiding principles for integration and policies
Week 2. The links between immigration and anti-discrimination
Week 3. A secure status as the starting point: family reunification and long-term residence
Week 4. Access to nationality and political participation
Week 5. Support for immigrant adults: employment, education and language courses
Week 6. Support for immigrant children: the 1.5 and 2.0 generations