Employment of third-country nationals in the European Union Orientation paper

1. Employment of third-country nationals in the European Union Orientation paper INTI Workshop, Huelva, 19-20 February 2008 Presented by �gnes H�rs, Kopint-T�rki, Budapest

2. Outline Aim of the paper: orientation paper to the workshop Increasing migratory phenomena - EU initiatives - need for greater co-ordination of national integration policies Common Agenda for Integration Framework Employment is a key part of the integration process Facts and data on labour market characteristics of the EU immigrant labour market Labour market integration Labour market integration index - analysis Immigrant programs � immigration practices ?discussed during the workshop

3. Migration and the way to manage it - are part of heated debates Most EU Member States are now experiencing migratory phenomena � legal and illegal � and are confronted with integration challenges. The integration of legal third-country nationals (TCN) living and working in the EU has gained increasing importance on the European agenda in recent years & today across the enlarged European Union Nevertheless, there is a major concern in a number of EU countries and policies are challenged. The Hague Programme (adopted by the European Council, 4-5th November 2004) underlines the need for greater co-ordination of national integration policies and EU initiatives in this field. Green Paper on an EU approach to managing economic migration

4. Integration of immigrants in the labour market � EU stimulations The effective and responsible integration of immigrants in the labour market is part of the integration of TCNs. The European Commission stimulates and supports Member States� efforts in employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, stressing the gender perspective in the labour market. The new Integrated Guidelines for Jobs and Growth call on Member States to take action to increase the employment of immigrants.

5. Common Agenda for Integration Framework for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals in the European Union Integration is a dynamic, two-way process of mutual accommodation by all immigrants and residents Integration implies respect for the basic values of the European Union Employment is a key part of the integration process and is central to the participation of immigrants, to the contributions immigrants make to the host society, and to making such contributions visible Basic knowledge of the host society�s language, history, and institutions is indispensable to integration; this basic knowledge is essential to successful integration Efforts in education are critical to preparing immigrants, and particularly their descendants Access for immigrants to institutions, as well as to public and private goods and services Frequent interaction between immigrants and citizens is a fundamental mechanism for integration. Shared forums, intercultural dialogue, stimulating living conditions The practice of diverse cultures and religions is guaranteed under the Charter of Fundamental Rights and must be safeguarded, unless practices conflict with other inviolable European rights or with national law The participation of immigrants in the democratic process and in the formulation of integration policies and measures, especially at the local level, supports their integration

6. Employment is a key part of the integration process � at national level Developing innovative approaches to prevent labour market discrimination Involving social partners in the elaboration and implementation of integration measures Informing employers and educational institutions about certificates for introduction courses to promote access to the labour market or training opportunities Exploring additional ways of recognising newcomers� qualifications, training and/or professional experience, building upon existing laws Supporting training capacities of small companies, business organisations and trade unions in sectors of the economy employing many migrants Promoting employment for immigrant women, i.a. by ensuring that restrictions in labour market access are minimised and do not hamper integration, when trans-posing the Directive on the right to family reunification Encouraging the recruitment of migrants through awareness-raising, economic incentives and other measures targeted at employers Supporting migrant entrepreneurship, e.g. through facilitated access to banking and credit service

7. Employment is a key part of the integration process � at EU level Monitoring the impact of National Reform Programmes on labour market integration of immigrants Encouraging Member States to develop labour market integration policies Monitoring the application of the Directives concerning discrimination in employment and on third-country nationals who are long-term residents

8. Facts 1 - Number & share of the TCNs in the EU countries

9. Facts 2 � Employment & unemployment rate of the TCNs in the EU countries

10. Facts 3 � Difference in employment & unemployment rate of the TCNs and nationals in the EU countries

11. Old immigrant countries High unemployment (much above the nationals), low employment rate much below the nationals), high vs. low share of TCNs, main reason of long-term immigration is family (re)union New (Mediterranean) immigrant countries Medium unemployment (around nationals� U), high employment rate (above nationals) high vs. low share of TCNs, main reason of long-term immigration is work New member countries Unemployment similar to nationals, employment different - better/worse, low share of TCNs. (Excl. Estonia & Latvia). Main reason of long-term immigration is work/family (re)union Labour market characteristics of the EU immigrant labour market

12. Main sending countries of TCNs � A) into the old immigrant countries

13. Main sending countries of TCNs � B) into the New (Mediterranean) immigrant countries

14. Main sending countries of TCNs � C) new member countries

15. Labour market integration � optimistic scenario As ideal fulfilment, migrant worker (or entrepreneur) is eligible for the same opportunities as EU nationals to work in most sectors. (S)he can count on help from labour market integration measures to adjust to the language and professional demands of the labour market, to get skills recognised, to access training, and to develop language skills that are critical for the job market. Secure employment, possibility to renew work permits and remain in the country and look for work, if (s)he loses job. Job security means equal rights for all workers to change employer, job, industry and work permit categories, or to join a trade union.

16. Labour market integration � pessimistic scenario In many cases migrants experience an excluding labour market, where their skills and qualifications are not recognised or are downgraded through an unfair, long and costly procedure. Even if qualified, they are not eligible to work or become self-employed in many sectors, due to government restrictions. Without access to any labour market integration measures, training, or study grants, migrants face great difficulty in overcoming language and professional barriers. The status of TCN as a worker is insecure. Rigid administrative criteria prohibit migrants from retaining work permit if they are fired and changing employer, job or industry.

17. Labour market integration index- 1. Labour market access in the EU-25 is, on average, only halfway to fulfil the proper integration and migrant workers rights. Migrants are partially eligible and can take up labour market integration measures. If migrants find jobs, they have slightly favourable security and rights as workers. Most can renew all but seasonal work permits, and participate in trade unions and work-related negotiation bodies. There are considerable differences across the EU countries labour market integration. ? Migrant Integration Policy Index* (*British Council & Migration Policy Group, 2007, www.integrationindex.eu)

18. Labour market integration index- 2.Are TCN able to accept any employment equal to that of nationals after one year of legal employment? - 2006

19. Labour market integration index- 3.Are TCN able to take up self-employed activity? - 2006

20. Labour market integration index- 4.Termination of a work contract is a reason for revoking or refusing to renew a work/residence permit - 2006

21. Labour market integration index- 5.Equality of access to vocational training/study grants - 2006

22. Labour market integration index- 6.Measures to further integration in the work place - 2006

23. Labour market integration index- 7.State facilitation of recognition of skills and qualifications - 2006

24. Labour market integration -Summary Mediterranean countries and also the Scandinavian countries offer a better integration for TCNs in the labour market while the New Member Countries in CEE lag substantially behind the rest of the EU, particularly on measures and security Various programs have been lounged and financed within the European Union with various successes concerning labour market integration Integration measures need adequate financial resources. The EU supports Member States� integration policies through a number of financial instruments. The Preparatory Actions for integration of third-country nationals (INTI). Farther financial instruments (ESF) experiences of the Community Initiative EQUAL

25. Financial instruments � EQUAL experiences EQUAL Initiative - to promote a better model for working life by fighting discrimination and exclusion on the basis of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. Funded through the European Social Fund (ESF). Development aims of the EQUAL programs: Employability - (Re-) integration to the labour market (1A) Employability - Combating racism� (1B) Entrepreneurship - Business creation (2C) Entrepreneurship - Social economy (2D) Adaptability - Life long learning (3E) Adaptability - Adaptation to change and NIT (3F) Equal opportunities-Reconciling family and professional life (4G) Equal opportunities-Reducing gender gaps and desegregation (4H) Asylum seeker (5)

26. EQUAL experiences - round 2005 (including new member states)

27. EQUAL experiences - round 2005 (including new member states)