Labour market integration of immigrants with a focus on Ukrainian refugees
On 26-27 November 2024, the Policy Learning Platform hosted an onsite peer review for Kristiansand Municipality (Norway), which sought advice on how to improve the labour market integration of immigrants, with a specific focus on Ukrainian refugees.
Peers from across Europe
Alongside Erik Gløersen and Mart Veliste, our Thematic Experts on ‘More Social Europe’, six expert peers participated in the peer review:
- Eva Reekers, Municipality of Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Yuliya Bogoyavlenska, Zhytomyr Region, Ukraine & Czechia
- Taavet Tomberg, Estonian Refugee Council, Estonia
- Michaela Gil, Municipality of Fundão, Portugal
- Veronika Rulli, European-Ukrainian Hub, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Oleksandra Lastovetska, Medborgarskolan & Ukrainare.nu, Sweden
Key Recommendations
- Consider different time perspectives for Ukrainian refugees by conducting short surveys on their aspirations and expectations for long-term residence.
- Develop a more flexible governance framework that can adapt to changes in migration trends, political situations, and legal frameworks (e.g., holding coordination meetings every three months).
- Implement a structured approach to collect and analyse data on Ukrainian refugees' needs, using surveys and focus groups to tailor support programmes accordingly.
- Co-create labour market integration programmes with Ukrainian refugees to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Collaborate with NGOs to offer language training and employment services, drawing inspiration from models in Rotterdam and Sweden.
- Explore digital platforms such as the Ukrainian DIIA portal.
- Develop apprenticeship programmes within the public sector to create structured pathways to employment.
- Employ Ukrainian staff members in entrepreneurial programmes to provide cultural insights and facilitate communication.
- Offer mentorship programmes where experienced professionals guide refugee entrepreneurs.
- Use hybrid and online formats for training if geographical dispersion of participants is a challenge.
- Promote success stories of refugee entrepreneurs to inspire and motivate others.
- Provide financial support such as microloans, grants, or asset-based funding to help refugees launch businesses.
- Establish a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurship where migrants can access legal, financial, and marketing support.
- Set up informal language learning groups through NGOs and volunteers.
- Use Ukrainian teachers for beginner levels, transitioning to Norwegian instructors for advanced stages.
- Combine language learning with vocational training to enhance practical applications.
- Ensure at least 50% of materials and events are in Ukrainian to maximise accessibility.
- Explore digital language learning platforms such as Preply and the Open College Network method for validation of informal skills.
- Recognise and tackle mental health challenges such as trauma, anxiety, and lack of motivation for job seeking.
- Use psychological support platforms such as MindSpring and EmpatiaProgram.nl for both refugees and professionals assisting them.
- Facilitate community engagement by encouraging refugees to participate in associations, volunteering, and local networks.
- Establish safe childcare options to enable refugee mothers to participate in training and employment programmes.
- Integrate immigration strategies into Kristiansand’s long-term economic development vision by aligning with local workforce needs.
- Brand Kristiansand as a welcoming city for migrants, taking inspiration from the ‘Fundão Embracing Place’ initiative.
- Ensure clear messaging that Kristiansand values and supports the long-term settlement of skilled refugees.
- Provide targeted training and employment pathways in sectors facing skill shortages, such as healthcare and IT.
The host’s policy challenges, and all the peer suggestions will be available shortly in the follow-up report.
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Peer review publication
Find more information on the methodology and experiences of previous beneficiaries in our publication.
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