Migrant rights and integration

The respect, protection and fulfilment of migrant rights, regardless of migration status, are essential for ensuring that migrants become active, empowered and well-integrated members of societies. Many host countries have undertaken measures to minimize disparities between migrants and nationals and to facilitate migrant integration. These initiatives have included language training and legal provisions to ensure non-discrimination. They have also included measures to promote equal access to basic services, including education, health care, and justice, notwithstanding that nationals and migrants with a regular status may be entitled to more comprehensive service provisions. Many countries have also instituted measures for the naturalization of migrants to foster equal rights and participation in the host society. In spite of these initiatives, the integration process for migrants can be challenging, particularly where they face racism, violence, xenophobia and related acts of intolerance. In recent years, a number of countries have witnessed a rise in anti-immigration sentiment, fuelled in part by the misperception that migrants are overrepresented among recipients of welfare benefits and social services (Nauman, et al., 2018). In spite of evidence to the contrary, the perception that migrants receive more benefits than their contributions to the economy and society is widespread and has contributed to social and political tension in several host countries. A number of countries have taken steps to promote evidence-based public discourse, with a view to addressing negative perceptions of migrants and dispelling erroneous or poorly informed narratives. Countries have also increasingly taken measures to eliminate discrimination, and to counter acts of racism, violence and xenophobia directed against migrants.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions