Promoting the Integration of Vulnerable Migrant Groups

On Monday 24 November I attended a seminar arranged by the Institute for Public Policy Research, (IPPR), entitled “Promoting the Integration of Vulnerable Migrant Groups: irregular migrants, transient labour migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees.” This formed part of a series of seminars arranged by the IPPR and supported by the Joeseph Rowntree Foundation, (web).

The main emphasis of this event was focused on the important topics of migrant integration and social cohesion.  Special consideration throughout the afternoon seminar was given to presentations and discussions of how best to approach the integation of the most vulnerable migrant groups, especially in terms of how best to transfer into policy recommendations, recommendations from the most recent research on both integration and social inclusion and to consider the impact of recent policy decisions upon these migrant groups.  Papers were presented by a number of speakers, including Jill Rutter and Danny Sriskandarajah, both of IPPR, and a number of interesting and thought-provoking external speakers.  Outlines of the papers can be found on the IPPR website.

The seminar also witnessed the launch of a new report, written by Jill Rutter … [et al.], and entitled, “Moving Up Together: Promoting Equality and Integration among the UK’s Diverse Communities.” This research focuses on four case study communities of people born in Bangladesh, Iran, Nigeria and Somalia who are now living in the UK.  The report considers to what degree these groups have “integrated” and considers the reasons why some migrant/minority groups are falling behind in their progress towards equality.  The report then considers what policy measures can be utilised to promote greater equality and integration.

A free copy of this report, along with additional supportive materials from both the IPPR and the Jospeh Rowntree Foundation, were included in the seminar pack, and these will be added to the Archive in due course.

Further information can also be found from the following links:

IPPR Migration Section -http://www.ippr.org.uk/research/themes/?id=3093

Joseph Rowntree Foundation (immigration & inclusion) -http://www.jrf.org.uk/research-and-policy/immigration-and-inclusion/

The Barrow Cadbury Trust -http://www.bctrust.org.uk/

Metropolitan Housing Trust -http://www.mht.co.uk/