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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SIRIUS (Skills and Integration of Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Applicants in European Labour Markets)

Teaser

Summary

SIRIUS has three main objectives:
A descriptive objective: To provide systematic evidence on post-2014 migrants, refugees and asylum applicants - particularly focused upon women and young people â€“ to assess their potential for labour market and, more broadly, social integration.
An explanatory objective: Building upon our multi-dimensional approach and the interplay of the three levels of analysis, to advance knowledge on the complexity of labour market integration for post-2014 migrants, refugees and asylum applicants.
A prescriptive objective: To propose a number of best practices and benchmarks including lessons learnt and a theoretical framework that will explain the role of concrete measures, as well as the combination and sequence of measures leading to the optimal outcome for a given group of beneficiaries (considering skill level, gender, marital status and age).

Work performed

The work done in the period covered by the first periodic report has allowed meeting the objectives as follows:
For the descriptive objective SIRIUS has provided new evidence through the development of two new data sets produced respectively under WP1 and WP2. Under WP1, we have established an extensive integrated database consisting of two parts: (a) Post-2014 Migrants database: this refers to a database on all participant countries with harmonized data on the levels of education/qualifications of post-2014 migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, for cross-country and cross-regional comparative research; (b) Economic Structure Database: this refers to a database for all participant countries with harmonized data on sectoral composition of product and employment, occupations by sector, input-output tables and
Under WP2 we have created another comparative dataset (D.2.1), gathering data using a systematic list of indicators measuring the socio-cultural context of migration in its broadest definition, as well as perceptions (perceived discrimination on ethnic grounds; whether immigration is good or bad for a country\'s economy; and whether the country\'s cultural life is undermined or enriched by immigrants). This dataset has been part, along with legal analysis, of the triangulation that has allowed us to investigate the interrelation between socio-cultural perceptions and determinants, and legal regimes as these have been explored in the integrated WP2 comparative report (D.2.2).
For the explanatory objective our work this year has advanced knowledge of the complex dynamics underpinning issues of MRAs labour market integration across our countries through WP1 and WP2 analyses. In particular, under WP1 the productive model of each country has been examined, offering a clear picture of their technological capabilities, the key sectors and the dynamic occupations.
For the prescriptive objective our work in this first year has provided policy advices and examples of best practices to facilitate labour market integration of MRAs across our countries conveyed both through WP1 and WP2 integrated reports, and more specifically, through our policy briefs (Policy brief n.1 and n.2) (D9.5). Moreover, we have created opportunities to share evidence-based policy recommendations with a range of actors not only by means of web-based communication and social media (SIRIUS website, social media accounts, newsletter, etc..), but also through the organisation of the first policy dialogue workshop that took place in Athens in November 2018 (D.8.7). More detailed information about the policy dialogue workshop is provided in the following section.

Final results

Using a robust comparative, multidimensional and interdisciplinary framework, that is sensitive to the impact of political-institutional, societal and individual-related enablers or barriers for the integration of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers into the labour market and into society, more broadly, SIRIUS aims to achieve the following scientific, policy and public impacts:
In terms of its scientific impact, SIRIUS will generate new scholarly knowledge about the characteristics (skills and qualifications) of post-2014 migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and how their skills can be utilized - therefore, contributing towards a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by refugees and asylum applicants in connection with their skills, qualifications, access to education, and employability.
Furthermore, SIRIUS will expand problem-solving capacities relating to how to make efficient use of the skills of migrants, by bringing to light new data about how different groups of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers rebound from barriers towards integration - therefore, contributing towards shaping a more responsive policy framework that understands and addresses their needs, experiences and aspirations. In this context, the micro-level research in WP6 (Individual Barriers and Enablers) - by using biographical interviews and the innovative tool of film essays - takes a closer look at the needs of migrants and refugees/asylum seekers, with a specific focus on the needs of women and young people, vis-Ã -vis their skills (for this we will also use an applied game to inquire about their individual needs for seeking employment opportunities), the perception of the citizens of their host societies, and what migrants themselves consider to be barriers and enablers to potential avenues for integration, so as to disentangle those factors that are necessary to inform the design of integration policies and programmes that are inclusive to their needs and voices.
In terms of public impact, SIRIUS will reinforce public awareness about the need to use a different language in public debates on migration and labour market integration â€“ thereby, building more inclusive and reflective labour markets and societies. An underlying contention of SIRIUS is that we canâ€™t make a positive case for migration using growth and employment figures alone. We also need to replace scaremongering with solidarity and empathy, as well as a healthy dose of pragmatism regarding how labour market integration of recent migrants, refugees and asylum seekers can be promoted for the benefit of everyone. We need to talk about jobs. Not just the jobs that catalyse the journeys and decisions of migrants and refugees and the jobs that countries with ageing populations need to fill, but also the jobs and wages that many fear will be \'stolen\' by refugees and migrants. This too cannot be achieved using general employment figures alone. It requires an understanding of the different political and economic realities of transit and host countries, and of the specific needs, rules and realities of different employment markets. It is in this respect that the cross-national comparative design of SIRIUS includes European countries with varying degrees of exposure to the recent migration and refugee fluxes, diverse legal and institutional systems, contrasting degrees of political and institutional decentralization, distinct socio-economic contexts as well as variegated historical experiences with issues surrounding the integration of migrants (the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Italy, the UK, and Switzerland) which will help unveil where and how solutions work, who benefits and why.