The Role of Social Service Providers in the Integration of Migrants
by Catherine MALLET
A debate arranged by Social Service Europe, and S&D, 29/11/2016 - European Parliament
‘Ensuring the integration of migrants, refuges and asylum seekers – the role of social services’
Speakers
Brando Benifie MEP
Heinz Becker MEP
Renate Weber MEP
Belinda Pyke DG, Home
Other speakers
Social Services Europe, Caritas, Red Cross, The Salvation Army.
The debate was to highlight the role of social service providers in the integration process of refugees and migrants and to highlight to need to ensure that all have access to housing, health services, education, social services and the labour market.
The representative from DG Home Belinda Pyke said 'it is difficult to say we need migrants (because of the current public climate against migration) but is more palatable to say Europe needs skills, high skills to fill the skills gap. This is an economic argument for (accepting the need) for migrants'. EU Funding through the Multiannual Financial framework MFF, The Asylum, Migration and Integration fund has to spend a minimum of 20% on integration. i.e. it’s not just for security issues, reception centres or return programs.
Heinz Becker MEP stated that there should be increased pressure at national level not just EU level. There should be a mutual expectation on integration. Both the State/society and the Asylum seeker should seek integration. Countries should encourage it and migrants should be willing to want to integrate. He also reiterated that the EU needs skills but it is unlikely that the skills level of existing refugees/ migrants will be sufficient. He also stressed that early access to labour markets for ALL.
There have been also calls from some quarters for a ‘Marshall' type plan for regions, to encourage migrants to stay home. Renate Weber MEP: ‘What has happened has been in the past unprecedented but is very much part of the future. The EU is not in solidarity, rather the lack of it solidarity is contributing to this situation or is giving room for it’. ‘The Asylum policy as it stands, means we will fail’ she said. She would rather see EU funding support given to the NGO sector rather than governmental programs as NGOs are more effective in their integration programmes. She feels that the role of the EU is to facilitate NGO’s. We need to ask something different from the EU, to come up with standards, then resource the NGO’s.
One delegate reminded us all that 20%-30% of refugees have are disabled or have trauma.
Freek Spinnewijn FEANTSA stressed that a significant numbers of migrants are accessing services offered by hostels and homeless services, especially undocumented migrants. This is not sustainable as the numbers increase. There is a need for retraining staff for migrant services.
Social Services Europe, provided a 5 priority recommendations
1. Migration is a social and economic opportunity for the EU
2. Social and health care services are a key component for the integration of migrants…
3. Universal access to services is key for inclusive, hate free societies
4. Unlocking the full potential EU finds is crucial to ensure integration
5. Invest in Human capital and communities through social and health care services (See more)
Heather Roy Eurodiaconia pointed out that integration programmes often use recipients of services who become volunteers. Much of the integration work done by NGO’s (including the TSA) is self-funded as state/municipalities are not generally willing to fund these actions especially if it is for undocumented migrants. How sustainable is this she asked?
Kjell Karlsten, Sweden say 'Animals transport and conditions are better in Europe than for human beings'. TSA Sweden want to help people not to be wasting their time during the asylum process and wish to aid them to start the integration process early.
He highlighted some excellent programmes, particularly by the corps.
- Language cafes - develop language , literacy, numeracy etc.
- Family friendship program – volunteer families befriend a refugee family for 12 weeks.
- Football for All – Using football training to attract young people to lift them out of marginalisation and helping to set individual life goals. 13-19 years of age.
- Akalla centre for women – women only service for migrants, aims to brake isolation, understanding or rights, civic information, basic things i.e. How to travel, ride a bike etc.
Specific attention is being paid by the Swedish Salvation Army to look to the undocumented migrants’ needs and the TSA response.
Conclusions or questions for the Salvation Army to consider
- The natural development from reception of refugees and migrants to integration. The role of the corps in this process.
- How will this effect present capacity?
- Do we need Migrant specific services?
- Do we need retraining for staff in Migrant issues?
- We should examine the undocumented migrant situation and decide how to respond to those needs.
- Is there a role for the TSA worldwide in the provision of support to peoples returning home?
- Does the TSA predominantly work with Refugee and Migrants only funded by Government / municipal funds, therefore either unable or unwilling to use internal funds for services the government or municipalities are unwilling to support, i.e. Undocumented migrants?
- Do we/should we proactively aid members of the TSA in migrating to a new country?
- It is difficult enough for refugee and migrants to access services etc. accepted into the system, but for those who are outside the system or have been rejected by the system it is far more complex.
- Red flag. Review of European Common Asylum Policy, could be hijacked by xenophobic, right wing pressures.
- Warning. Present funding levels for social services under austerity strategies have reduced funding levels. Some of this funding may be redirected for Integration programs.
Tags: Europe